The Irvington Historic Benton House presents the 42nd annual Tour of Homes September 20 from noon-5 p.m.
Celebrating its 42nd year, the tour promises many new delightful sites, embracing both Irvington’s past, present and future.
This year’s tour will feature four outstanding homes, as well as The Benton House and Bona Thompson Memorial Center, which are vibrant centers for the historic neighborhood. The tour will also feature a sneak peak of the Ice House, one of Irvington’s most exciting new developments. Tours of the Ice House will be held on the half-hour, and two exciting new Irvington restaurants, La Mexi Gringa and the Hummingbird Cafe, will offer samples of their terrific food to visitors. The Thomas Carr Howe. Sr. Home, which is part of Irvington’s United Methodist Church, will also be part of the tour. Another unique stop on the tour will be the Kile Oak, an impressive burr oak estimated to be over 300 years old and lovingly maintained by the Irvington Garden Club and Irvington Historic Landmarks. The Wilson-Parker Cemetery, the prairie cemetery of some of the first settlers who traveled on The National Road (US 40) is sure to be one of this year’s tour highlights. There will be a free concert by Paul Holdman at 3:00 p.m. with a rededication ceremony at 4:00 p.m. at the Wilson-Parker Cemetery located at 5100 E. Julian Avenue.
The homes range from Victorian style to modern to traditional, reflecting Irvington’s architectural diversity. The homeowners are proud members of the community and represent the dynamic energy that makes Irvington stand out. This tour will showcase the community, and will provide us all a day of fun and inspiration.
Tickets are currently on sale and will be available at Irvington restaurants and shops: Jack and Jill’s (5501 E. Washington St.), Central Ace Hardware (10th and Arlington), Dufour’s (5648 E. Washington St.), Black Sheep(5626 E. Washington St.) and Bookmamas (9 S. Johnson). Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour. Tickets will be available the day of the tour at The Benton House at 312 S. Downey Ave. Proceeds from the tour help maintain the Benton House which was built in 1873 and is an historic landmark.
If you have any questions, want information about group rates, or would like to volunteer for the tour, please feel free to contact Megan Krol Schultz, 317-506-6808.
