The Annual Richmond Hill Tour of Homes will be on Dec. 2, from 1-5 p.m. The self-guided tour features the Historical Society Museum, two historic churches and five private homes, including the home of Barbara and Steve Scholar.
Their Parkside Drive home is entirely furnished in a rather unique way, as a middle-income home might have been in 1900. The living room parlor and den are furnished with an eye toward Victorian detail. One special feature is the eight-arm gasolier chandelier and period electric lighting in the rooms, which was experimental in the start of the 20th century. The entertainment includes a brass-horned victrola, a stereopticon and Victorian games. All of it - right down to the plank oak flooring - is authentic.
In one room, Steve created a space for a compilation of hundreds of country store collectibles. He additionally set up an entire country store in the residence’s garage. The screen porch has brick flooring and a ceiling painted like the nighttime sky. The furnishings include a parlor organ and another victrola, reminiscent of days long gone by.
For the holidays, the Scholars have several trees in their backyard decorated with Victorian ornaments and popcorn and cranberry strands.
The Tour of Homes is the culminating event for the weekend-long hometown celebration that begins with a chili cook-off Friday night, Nov. 30, and the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 1.
The tour will include the St. Anne Catholic Church, which will be providing a tea time during the tour. Maps for all stopovers will be included on the tickets, which are $20 in advance or $25 on Dec. 2, tea is included in the ticket price.
Tickets can be purchased at the Re/MAX office on Ford Avenue, at the Historical Society Museum, by calling 756-3697, or via mail to the museum at P.O. Box 1067, Richmond Hill, GA 31322 and tickets can be picked up at earliest convenience or the day of the tour. All proceeds from sales are divided by the Richmond Hill Garden Club, Friends of the Library, the Historical Society and the St. Anne Catholic Church.