HPA plans Homes for the Holidays tour

By Martha Jane

Gentry

Special to The Tribune

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Fort Scott will open the holiday season Dec. 7, 8 and 9 with “Homes for the Holidays” and “Moonlight and Mistletoe.” These events benefit the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, Inc.

Although this is the 28th annual homes tour, this year’s event features several “firsts.” This is the first time that all of the houses are located on one street, South National Avenue, it’s the first time that each private residence is also a home business, and it’s the first time that twin houses, owned by family members, are part of the tour.

The theme of the 1870s Lyons Twin Mansions is “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed.” The majestic Victorian exterior contrasts with a modern interior at 750 South National Ave., the home of Nate Lyons and his daughter, Addison.

The home of Pat and Larry Lyons, next door at 742 South National Ave., is renowned for the owners’ self-described “flamboyantly Victorian” decor.

Across the street at 747 South National Ave., Cynthia Levine of “The Levine House,” will share the bed and breakfast’s first holiday season with guests in her newly restored 1884 home.

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 a variety of scenes on the stage of its second-floor auditorium.

Moonlight and Mistletoe, the special Friday evening tour on Dec. 7, features the home of Nate Lyons, in addition to the other tour homes. An extensive appetizer buffet and a glass of “bubbly” await each guest. This tour is limited to 100 guests, and the ticket price is $20. This ticket can also be used as admission to Homes for the Holidays events on Saturday and Sunday.

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

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

The Fort Lincoln School, on the FSCC campus, will be open from 1 until 5 p.m. during the weekend.

Holiday music will be presented throughout the weekend at the Liberty Theatre.

National Park Service personnel and volunteers will present “A Christmas Ball” on Saturday afternoon at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Homes for the Holidays Tour tickets will be available in late October at Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main St., and at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Tickets are $8 per person.