IRVINGTON — The Benton House Association will present its annual Benton House Tour of Homes and Classy Car Show on Sunday, September 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrating its 52nd year, this year’s tour features many historical homes and landmarks, showcasing the rich history and architectural diversity of the Irvington community. Tickets are $20 in advance at thebentonhouse.org Web site, or $25 the day of the tour.
When the tour began in 1973, there was an energy crisis, the Watergate scandal blew open, the war in Vietnam came to an end, and the average house cost of a house was $35,000, a new car would cost you $3,200, and a gallon of gas was 40 cents. At the time, Irvington was an east side neighborhood on the rise — just with big grand homes and a quirky vibe like nothing else in Indianapolis. Blessed with a tight-knit community and a vision of something better on the horizon, Irvington has transformed itself as a strong, historic neighborhood with lovely homes and great people.
The Benton House was built in 1873, and is a magnificent example of French Mansard design. Homes on the tour this year promise to be a blend of many styles in the neighborhood, and landmarks that make Irvington unique in the city. This year’s tour will feature The Askren House, the second oldest house in Marion County, built between 1828 and 1833 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
As always, be sure to stop by the Benton House to take a tour of this magnificent piece of Indianapolis history. The Classy Car Show will be happening on the Benton House grounds as well as featuring live music and food for purchase.
Top Shelf Tours providing shuttle services again this year. To ease parking, park at the Irvington Library at Audubon and East Washington and purchase a wristband for $5.
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. This year roof repair and/or painting the exterior will be the priority.
