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The tour will begin at Central
Christian Church, 650 W. William. Its modern Gothic architecture was
chosen to complement the homes in the neighborhood, built from the
1880s through the early 1900s. The church is home to one of the
area's most attractive sanctuaries, displaying some outstanding
stained glass. The house at
391 W. William is home to Phil and Amanda Shils. This Queen Anne
Victorian was on the 2002 tour but without any heat, lights,
plumbing or walls. The home has received extensive mechanical
updating, along with new walls, flooring, woodwork, replacement of
some original stained glass and the addition of some new stained
glass of the owners' design. Work is progressing on restoration of
the exterior to bring this wonderful home back to its former glory.
The Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William,
will be open for all to enjoy the Christmas decorations. This home,
built in 1875 for three-time Gov. Richard J. Oglesby, is of the
Italianate-Second Empire style of architecture with some American
Victorian detail.
The pure Arts and Crafts style home
at 539 W. William is a turn-of-the-century gem. The home was cared
for during the last 60 years by the same owner and is now undergoing
restoration. There have been few changes over the years, with all
original woodwork, built-ins and leaded glass having been
maintained.
The Greider Family House at 255 N.
Pine is in the Prairie style of architecture with a hint of the
Orient in the tile roofline. Recent owners Kyle and Leslie Risby are
enjoying sunrises in the mosaic-tiled sunroom and the beautifully
landscaped yard.
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In 1908 the Decatur Sunday Review
named the home at 904 W. William the "Best Home for the Money" built
in the city during that era. The gambrel-roofed, three-story brick
Colonial home was built for Dr. S.E. McClelland at a cost of $8,000.
The home at 919 W. William, 100
years old this year, was built in the then-modern Prairie style of
architecture by the T.T. Roberts family. Joe and Sue Kunzeman have
been the caretakers for the last five years, along with their
children and numerous pets. The three-story, 13-room house has four
fireplaces, three pocket doors, two Palladian windows, and natural
and stained woodwork and floors throughout.
Stick-style Victorian would best
describe the Griswold House at 411 W. Main. It was built in 1860 and
occupied by the C.L. Griswold family from 1867 until 1892. Many
prominent families followed, but eventually the home became a
rooming house. Two years ago, Architectural Restorations purchased
the house and took on the task of restoration. Recently completed,
the unique interior will be a joy for all to see.
Tickets may be purchased at Decatur
businesses for $10 before the tour days. On the tour days, tickets
will be available for $15 at Central Christian Church. This is also
where tickets will be exchanged for tour brochures. Homes may be
toured in any order. A shuttle bus will make rounds between tour
homes.
[News release]
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