Tour of Homes set for June 24
The 2012 Highland County Historical Society Tour of Homes is scheduled for June 24 from 1-6 p.m.
This year's tour also includes the Highland County Courthouse and the Hillsboro First Baptist Church, along with the private and historic residences.
Jill Yochum, of Prudential Chambers Realty, who serves on the Tour of Homes committee, said that the partnership will bring together Highland County’s historic landmarks and prospective new homeowners.
“We think it’s a good fit, for us to work together,” Yochum said. “We have so many people who come from surrounding areas, from Cincinnati, Dayton and everywhere in between. They come to the home tour, and they shop here, and look at the historic qualities the town has. We thought this would give them a chance to look at the homes we have on the market. Maybe this will help
bring some new families, who came to see the historic homes, but really loved one of the homes selected for the tour that was on the market.”
Catie Schafer, director of the Highland House Museum, said the historical society is glad to work in cooperation with the Highland County Realtors, and that they are working to make sure the tour has a variety of architecture and historic eras represented.
“I think there will be a little something for everyone,” Schafer said.
The Historical Society’s Tour of Homes is held every other year, and each ticket on the home tour comes with a map and a brochure of the homes, and Highland County Historian Jean Wallis will be writing a brief history for each house that is featured. Ticket pricing and additional information
will be available in the weeks closest to the event.
“Jean will be putting together an explanation of each of the residences and a note of interest and a little bit of history,” Schafer said. “People can either visit all 12 places, or they can pick and choose. We always have a large number of volunteers who are located throughout each home to help direct people and point out certain aspects of each home.”
The offices of local real estate companies have been invited to stay open for special hours during the event.
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Schafer said that the tour will have at least 10 private homes, the Highland County Courthouse, and the Hillsboro First Baptist Church on West Walnut Street.
“We try to do a variety, with older homes and a few newer homes, and some that are in the process of rehab or renovation, so people can see the process and have a real variety,” Schafer said. “We always try to do a church and a historic building."
In addition to bringing in folks from surrounding communities, Schafer said the tour can help local residents get to know their neighbors.
“I think one of the things that we all agree on is that Highland County has a very rich history, and a lot of that is the history in our older homes,” Schafer said.
“We have a variety of architecture, and I think this will draw in people who have an interest in rehabbing old homes, especially the ones in need of repairs. It helps the community to get to know each other, meet other homeowners and people in their town, along with the volunteers and other people on the tour.
"It’s a good way to meet new people, and see what they’re doing with their homes. It’s a really great way to get decorating ideas. We usually try to feature some homes that have great antiques and collectables. I think there will be a little something for everyone.”