The 50th Annual Benton House Tour of Homes & Car Show in historic Irvington will be held by the Benton House Association on Sunday, Sept. 17 from noon – 5 p.m. The Benton House is located at 312 S. Downey Ave.
In addition to the 50th year for the tour, the Benton House is celebrating 150 years of being at the heart of Irvington. There will be aa special VIP event celebrating 50 Years of the Tour of Homes and The Benton House’s 150th Birthday on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for $100. The cost includes an evening of delicious food and drink catered by local restaurants, plus the chance to explore the beautiful architecture of The Benton House as well as two VIP homes, 5802 University Ave. (the D.C. Stephenson home) and 5432 University Ave. (the Madge Oberholzter home). The author of Madge, Charlotte Halsema Ottinger will be speaking and available to answer questions about the former residents of these tow homes.
The VIP ticket will also be valid for the regular Sunday tour and allow for a special pre-sale price for the hard cover coffee table Tour of Homes book. Visit thebentonhouse.org/home-tour to get your tickets in advance for the VIP Tour (if available).
The homes for 2023 include 520 N. Campbell Ave., 227 S. Ritter Ave., 625 N. Edmondson Ave., 320 Poplar Rd., 5115 Norway Dr. 943 N. Irvington Ave., and 325 N. Emerson Ave. In addition, Hannah’s Memorial Playground, 5435 Washington St (George W. Julian School (School 57) will be on the tour.
This year, the Benton House will open the Caretaker’s Apartment to view. We will also be featuring the classy car show on the Benton House grounds as well as featuring live music and food for purchase.
The Benton House Classy Car Show Benefit will run from noon-5. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. All cars must arrive by 11:30 AM. This year there is a registration fee of $10. The awards for this year include the Best in Show, Crowd Favorite, Most Muscle, Best Paint, Best Interior, and Most Unique. Every car show participant will receive a free ticket for the Home Tour. The first 18 cars to arrive will receive a mini license plate in honor of the 150th birthday of the Benton House. Music will be provided by the Scaflows.
Tickets are $20 in advance of the tour and $25 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.
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. We appreciate your support for this important event.
Built in 1873, the Benton House was once home of Butler University president Dr. Allen R. Benton .
