WESTFIELD – Back by popular demand, Westfield on Weekends will present the sixth Dickens of A Day Historic House Tour this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., beginning at the First Congregational Church at 18 Broad Street.
Participants will be invited to enjoy holiday decorations, music, costumed characters and special treats as they take part in a self-guided tour of seven historic stops in downtown Westfield, representing four centuries of architecture.
Tickets and booklets containing a map and description of the seven stops will be available at the First Congregational Church where participants can tour the historic church, at which Reverend Taylor, the “Poet Laureate of Colonial America” preached. The church’s Candy Cane Boutique will be open for holiday shopping.
As they set out, tour goers will go back in time through the centuries – from the Dewey House (ca. 1735) where folks in period costume and the Cratchit family will offer a special historical tour, to a beautiful Federal Period Cape on West Silver Street, the front of which was recently restored by its owners.
The late 1800s are represented by a beautiful Queen Anne style home on Day Avenue (c1890) where Mrs. Claus will greet everyone.
The unassuming family living space on the top two floors of a three-story Victorian (c1890) above the Nook on Franklin Street will offer a special surprise for participants. The expansive two floors of living space retain every feature of this particular style of architecture. Two costumed Spirits of the Season, portrayed by Abby McCarthy and Sarah Collier, will greet participants as they visit.
A Free Classical style Victorian on Holland Avenue will represents the 19th century where the old and the new live harmoniously.
The Carriage House at the Genesis House situated on the former Crane Estate on Mill Street will also come alive with three large rooms decorated around holiday themes of Victorian Charm, Whimsical Delight, and Outdoor Woodlands. The Pioneer Valley Fiddlers will be among the surprises there, performing from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Tour participants will also be invited to shop at Ebenezer Gallery Shop, a holiday pop-up store at Westfield State’s Downtown Art Gallery at 105 Elm Street, while Ezra’s Mercantile at 34 Elm Street will host a festive holiday open house from noon 5 p.m. Miss Sweets at 4 Russell Rd will be open from 11-4. A special open house is sure to please at 70 Maple Street home of Buckboard Antiques.
Tickets for the house tour are $15 and all proceeds go to Westfield on Weekends for continued cultural events within the community.
For many years the Historic House Tours were a fundraiser for the volunteers of the Historic Society. In their effort to protect “Westfield’s rich historical and architectural heritage” the committee adopted the motto “Preserve the Irreplaceable”. They set a goal to bring a National Historic District designation to our downtown area. After many years Westfield has been given that honor and the Westfield Historic Commission is busy working on celebrating with new signage and all the opportunities that come with the national designation.
For a full list of Dickens events visit www.westfieldonweekends.com
