Writer / Janet Gilray
In a very real sense, they are community treasures. Historic homes…if their walls could talk, what tales of Noblesville’s early years they might tell! A wonderful opportunity to see inside these homes takes place each year, thanks to the efforts of sponsors and volunteers coordinated by the Noblesville Preservation Alliance (NPA).
The 28th annual Noblesville Tour of Historic Homes takes place Saturday, September 20. Its purpose is to celebrate and educate visitors to ‘Old Town’ about the charms and historical attributes of the nine private residences and two cultural sites that will be open to visitors on the tour.
“I’ve rarely missed one of the tours,” states Connie Foor, enthusiastically. “For years and years, I gathered my friends and we’d drive over from Carmel. I’d imagine owning one of these architectural treasures. Then, as soon as my husband and I became empty-nesters, we bought one of our own.”
Now, the couple invite visitors to tour their 1912 home at 875 S. Foor St., which is featured for the second time this year. The first time was nearly a decade ago, and since then, the avid antique collectors have added numerous collectibles, many that are family heirlooms. They’ve also fashioned a new room in the back of the home, re-landscaped the lily pond and filled their old-fashioned garden with an overflowing display of colorful perennials. And with six grandchildren, the small building at the back of the property quite naturally has become a playhouse.
Connie says, “We love being part of the tour. Each homeowner brings unique aspects to the mix. Showing our home as one of them, especially to visitors new to the tour and coming from outside the area, is something Mike and I truly enjoy.”
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The NPA is showcasing eight other homes this year (see sidebar) as well as two properties in the Historic Downtown area that qualify as historic buildings.
According to Geof Odle, NPA president, the alliance is proud of the work they are doing to protect, preserve and restore many of Noblesville’s historic treasures. This year marks the beginning of a new focus for the NPA: outreach, collaboration, communication and education. Odle is firm in his belief that preserving historic
homes and businesses continues to make Noblesville the destination place that it is today.
“Noblesville is the seat of Hamilton County, and we celebrate the unique properties of our ‘Old Town’ during the home tour each year. Our goal is to continue to develop the historic downtown area with preservation in mind.”
Proceeds benefit NPA for use in funding facade grants for Noblesville’s historic homes.
Visit noblesvillepreservation.com for ticket and parking information.
