2023.06.06

For about a decade these September events were an important fundraiser and opportunity to educate the public about the value of preserving historic architecture. The one-day Homes Tours typically featured about eight locations, mostly private residences -- some humble cottages, some grand mansions. Volunteer docents watched over the property. "What to look for" cards, blurbs on the tickets and a sign in front of each building outlined the notable architectural features for guests. Tickets were sold in advance or at each location and included a map. It was typically a scramble to visit all locations in the four-hour window. The Heritage Festival extended over the entire September weekend and included events like clothesline art shoes, vintage baseball games, pre-tour Docent's cocktail party, lectures, concerts, screenings and whatever else the festival committee could arrange. The Heritage Preservation Awards happened at the September SDHS monthly meeting. Typically a dozen properties or individuals were recognized. See 2023.06.05 for more details about the award categories. The Heritage Festival took a team to organize and a small army of docents to execute. As the local population aged, the volunteer roll shrank. Subsequently, fewer people tried to manage the ever-more-elaborate event, and it became too great a challenge. The Heritage Fest was replaced by the Dine-Around in 2012.

SDHS EventsHistoric Preservation

Winthers, Sally

02/21/2023

02/25/2023