'Homes for the Holidays' tour to feature several historic stops

The Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, Inc., recently announced the sites for the 29th annual "Homes for the Holidays" and "Moonlight and Mistletoe" tours. Fort Scott will open the holiday season with these events the first full weekend in December.

One stop on the tour is the former Sample house, 812 South National, now owned by Dale Blocker. Extensive restoration work over the past few years on both the exterior and interior has brought this majestic Victorian home back to its former elegance.

The second house is the childhood home of Ralph Carlson, 705 Clark. This 1886 Victorian cottage has been redone and refurnished with a 1940's theme. A family Christmas will be the focus at this house.

The First Church of the Nazarene, 3rd and Margrave, is the third tour site. This beautiful native stone structure will be the venue for musical presentations throughout the weekend. In addition, the Scottish Rite Temple will be open on Saturday and Sunday to display the well-known collection of beautifully hand-painted backdrops that create different scenes.

Moonlight and Mistletoe, the special Friday evening tour on Dec. 5, features the home of Mary and Leland Wood, in addition to the Blocker and Carlson houses and the church. A light holiday buffet and festive beverages await each guest. The theme of the Wood's home is "House of Eight Gables," focusing on the distinctive architecture of this turn-of-the-century home. Treasured Christmas decorations and a variety of collections will be displayed.

This tour is limited to 100 guests, and the ticket price is $20. This ticket covers admission to events on Saturday and Sunday.

Other venues for the holiday weekend are the "The Stocking Stuffer," Fort Lincoln School and Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The Stocking Stuffer, located at Fort Scott Community College's Arnold Arena, will offer a wide variety of crafts and gift items, in addition to baked goods and a brisket lunch.

Volunteers from the local Association of Retired School Personnel will staff the Fort Lincoln School for the tour weekend from 1 until 5 p.m. each day.

A special program at the National Historic Site will focus on the 2007 White House Christmas tree decorations with the theme of "America's National Parks." Gary Hawk, Iola artist, will speak on Saturday and Sunday afternoons about the unique ornament he created to represent the Fort Scott site.

Tickets for both tours are now available at Country Cupboard, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lyons Mansion.

For additional information about HPA, visit the new Web site, hpaofbourboncounty.weebly.com. For information about these and other holiday events in Fort Scott, call the Chamber of Commerce or check fortscott.com.