Do you own an historic home in the Village of Oxford? Ever thought of giving tours?
You don’t have to because the Historic Home Tour Committee wants to do it for you.
Two more homes are needed for the 7th annual Somewhere in Time: Oxford Village Historic Home Tour Saturday, August 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. during Celebrate Oxford.
‘We want homes that reflect the history of Oxford,? said Cindy Wheeler, chairperson the tour committee, which is part of the Northeast Oakland Historical Society. ‘It doesn’t necessarily have to be 100 years old. We’ve done homes that were built in the 1950s and 1960s.?
‘A lot of people say, ‘Well, my house isn’t ready,?? she explained. ‘We’re not looking for museums. The whole motivation behind the tour is to help celebrate the history of Oxford and the fact that these historical homes have seen a lot of changes in village life, but they’re still family homes.?
Wheeler said placing their historic home on the tour gives owners a fascinating opportunity to learn more about their house ? when it was built, who built it, families who lived there previously, etc.
The tour committee compiles a written history of each house by researching official documents (property tax records, deed records, etc.) and interviewing local senior citizens.
‘Sometimes older people in the village have memories of the home or the original owners,? Wheeler said.
When Wheeler put her 40 Hovey Street home on the tour in 2002, her own research resulted in her meeting the grandson, now in his 70s, of the man who built it back in 1912.
‘He grew up coming to lunch there every week,? she said.
Participating in the home tour ‘renews your pride and your enjoyment in your historic home,? according to Wheeler. ‘It really makes you feel good about your house.?
‘When you live in an old home, it’s a lot of work,? Wheeler said. ‘They’re a lot more work than a new home . . . Every project becomes a huge project.?
But ‘it’s the things that make them special that make them more work. It’s their character ? the moldings and all the little extra places to dust,? she explained
‘If you’ve put all that time and energy and effort into your home, this is such a wonderful way to get validation for that and to celebrate it.?
Those participating in this year’s home tour will receive a cast-iron plaque to display outside which reads ‘Historic Oxford? with the home’s build date in between.
They’ll also receive a free one-year membership in the historical society and framed photo of their house. So, far the owners of three homes (5 Crawford Street, 78 Dennison Street and 29 N. Glaspie Street) and one downtown building (Bella Casa Interiors, 38 S. Washington Street) have agreed to be on the tour.
Homeowners are ‘encouraged? to be there during the tour, however, it’s not required.
‘Most homeowners want to be there the day of the tour,? Wheeler said.
The committee does provide ‘a whole group of docents? (tour guides), usually four or five per home. Their job is to answer questions, keep traffic flowing and keep an eye on the house.
Wheeler said homeowners are welcome to use family and friends as docents as well.
‘Never have we had a negative (comment from a tour participant),? Wheeler noted.
Those interested in displaying their historic village home on the tour can call Wheeler at (248) 628-1376.
The tour committee will be hosting a ‘Get Acquainted? Open House Sunday, June 4 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 95 Dennison Street, the home of committee member Donna Graessle.
Committee members and previous tour participants will be available to share information and their experiences with anyone interested in opening their home to the tour or joining the committee.
Tickets for the tour go on sale July 1 at Patterson Prescription Pharmacy, the historical society’s museum, Curves and the Oxford Antique Mall.
Tickets are $12 prior to the event and $15 the day of the tour.