Host and Hostess Guidelines


The most important thing for the success of the Petry-Honan home is that everyone, Pilgrims and Hosts/Hostesses have fun. If the Hosts and Hostesses are well prepared and enjoying themselves, the Pilgrims will have a pleasant experience in the Petry-Honan Home. As a pilgrimage Host/Hostess, you are representative for the Petry-Honan home and family and also for the City of Eufaula. Eufaula is renowned for its gracious hospitality. Please do everything you can to impress our visitors and make their tour as pleasant as possible.

1) Learn the script for the room you will work in well before the day of your shift. The biggest problem we have had in the Petry-Honan home over the years is Hosts/Hostesses who did not properly learn their scripts prior to the tour.

2) Don’t be embarrassed to tell a visitor that you do not know the answer to a question. Some Pilgrims may want to argue something about the house or its furnishings. Don’t argue, just smile politely and refer the Pilgrim to the Honans.

3) All of the hosts and hostesses in the Petry-Honan home wear period attire.

4) Arrive at least 15 minutes before your shift.

5) Wear the name tag that will be provided by your house chairperson.

6) Do not ear, drink or chew gum unless you are in the break area.

7) Smoke outside only.

8) Turn off cell phones and pagers.

9) Caution the pilgrims not to handle any of the Honan’s belongings and not to sit on the furniture.

10) Never leave your room unattended. It is unsafe and unfortunately some pilgrims try to steal items. If you need to take a break, get word to the house Chairperson or to the Honans. A floater will take your place while you are on break.

11) Do not leave your room in the event of a disturbance or emergency in the house. The house Chairperson will check on the matter. Some unscrupulous people may create a disturbance as a ruse to get hosts/hostesses to leave their rooms so an accomplice can steal items.

12) Please avoid loud talking and laughing between hosts and hostesses.

13) Do not correct a Host/Hostess in front of a Pilgrim for a mistake that has been made in telling the home’s story. Correct them in private. Don’t forget, “never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

14) In case of an emergency that will keep you from being able to serve, it is your responsibility to get a replacement to work your shift. Find your replacement BEFORE calling your house Chairperson.

Thank you for your valuable help. This should be an enjoyable experience for all of us. Without your help, Eufaula could not celebrate its annual Pilgrimage.