IRVINGTON — The Benton House Association will present its annual Benton House Tour of Homes and Classy Car Show on Sunday, September 18th from noon to 5 p.m. Celebrating its 49th year, this year’s tour features many historical homes and landmarks, showcasing the rich history and architectural diversity of the Irvington community.
There will be six homes and one professional building in addition to The Benton House and The Bona Thompson Memorial Center:
• 51 N. Irvington Ave.
• 110 S. Downey Ave.
• 36 S. Ritter Ave.
• 951 N. Arlington Ave.
• 5706 E. Michigan St.
• 135 S. Audubon Rd.
• 5276 E. Pleasant Run Parkway N. Dr.
The Benton House Association will also be featuring the classy car show on the Benton House grounds as well as featuring live music by Audio Diner and food from H & S Burgers for purchase.
All proceeds from the Tour & Car Show benefit the maintenance of the historic gem located at 312 South Downey Avenue.
Tickets are $15 in advance of the tour and $20 the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at any of the tour stops on the day of the tour. Those buying their ticket with a credit card on the day of the tour need to do so at The Benton House. You can order tickets via Eventbrite prior to the tour.
The annual Benton House Tour of Homes is the biggest fundraiser for the Historic Benton House. All proceeds from the tour will go directly towards the upkeep and maintenance of the house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from past tours have gone towards permanent signage in the front yard, a new slate roof, gutters and downspouts, new event chairs, landscaping, and foundation repairs, just to name a few.
Built in 1873, the Benton House was once home of Butler University president Dr. Allen R. Benton.
Irvington is the city’s largest historic district, founded in 1870. The home tour is also one of the the first in the lineup of great events during the fall in Irvington, culminating with Irvington’s famous Halloween festival.
The Benton House Home Tour is sponsored by many local businesses, including Benge Designs, Central Ace Hardware, George Thomas Floral, Glenroy Construction, Arbuckle & Sons Landscaping, State Farm Insurance: Eddy Hacker, Black Sheep Gifts, Dairy Queen in Irvington, Hampton Design, Irvington Insurance, Edward Jones, Irvington Pet Clinic, and many more.
The Benton House is available for event rental. Call 317-357-0318 to discuss rates and schedule.
