FROM: Jen Martin, Marketing & Events Coordinator
Office of Special Events, 301-228-2844
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 3, 2006
CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS HISTORIC CLARKE PLACE
This year’s Candlelight House Tour showcases eight Victorian homes located on historic Clarke Place, just south of the Maryland School for the Deaf. Presented by Celebrate Frederick Inc., Routzahn’s Furniture and Kehne’s Carpet One, this unique tour will highlight the charm of yesteryear with holiday carolers, a horse drawn carriage and light refreshments at the Wells Fargo Hospitality Centers located in the Hessian Barracks and the Bjorlee Library on the Maryland School for the Deaf. The event will be held Saturday, December 2nd from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 3rd from noon to 4 p.m.
Due to the location of the homes, Clarke Place will be closed to traffic during the tour. Parking is available off South Carroll Street just south of the Maryland School for the Deaf gymnasium and at Lincoln Elementary School on Madison Street.
The following is a short description of the eight homes featured on this year’s tour:
4 Clarke Place
The Hollerstown Hill Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful example of late Victorian architecture. Welcoming visitors into the home’s elegant foyer is the original staircase with antique newel post and a corner fireplace of original tiger-eye tile and courtesan oak. In keeping with the tradition of the Victorian time, the front parlor, with its grand collection of treasures, awaits the ladies, while the back parlor, with a traditional pool table and chess set of Civil War characters, awaits the “gents.”
Four uniquely decorated guest rooms featuring sitting areas and baths, invite visitors to relax and experience the magic of “days gone by. Enjoy a first and second floor tour of this warm and inviting home tastefully decorated by Dulcie Bomberger of Chiffon and Jane Christofori of Tableaux.
6 Clarke Place
Originally built between the years 1895 and 1897, the first occupants were Cyrus Flook and Elizabeth Eby Flook who bought the land for $484. In the 1930’s, the owner, Mrs. Nellie Cummings, used her home as a boarding house as a means of income. In the 70’s, her family sold the house, and it was converted into apartments.
To this day, the trim, floors, fireplace, and dining room chandelier are original to the home. Continued renovations of windows, doors, and walls bring life to this house as the present homeowners enjoy doing the research and learning the skills that enable them to restore their home with historic preservation in mind. A first floor tour is offered for your pleasure with a holiday charm by Mary Seavey.
10 Clarke Place
Originally built in 1895 for the Bauer (Bower) family, who operated a local lumber business, this home has undergone many renovations. Converted into apartments for a period of time, the structure began to deteriorate until the present home owners purchased it.
With determination and detail, woodwork, windows, and architectural elements were restored. New slate roof tiles were cut, and a boat builder custom-crafted replacement window frames for the turret. The porch, which sustained the most damage, underwent an extensive renovation to bring the mahogany floors and bead and board ceilings back to life.
As you enjoy a first floor tour, take note of the original fireplaces and period decor. Featured on HGTV’S “Restore America,” Bob Jones of Jones and Eberhart will decorate in holiday fashion to make this home a holiday place to remember.
16 Clarke Place
Built in 1890, the magnificent front entrance and porch area invite you to share the historical beauty of this home. While touring the first floor, enjoy the original pocket doors throughout the sitting room. The inlaid wood floors are original to the house, and the high ceilings create an atmosphere of true “old world charm,” There are seven fireplaces throughout the house.
The Frederick county Historical Society has honored 16 Clarke Place with the One Hundred Year Plaque to affirm its true historical value and style. The decorative talents of Brad Weesner of Brad Weesner Design will add holiday elegance for your enjoyment
104 Clarke Place
This spectacular Queen Anne Victorian home, with 18 rooms and 9 fireplaces, was built in 1895 by Harry Bowers, clerk of the Circuit Court and owner of The Bower’s Lumber Company. The Bower’s family resided in the house until 1968.
Upon arrival on the front porch, an original gas light fixture and “speaking tube” used to announce the arrival of guests can be seen. The house was built when servants were common, and you will see servant “call bells” in several of the rooms. Unfortunately, if you push one, no one comes!
An enchanting tour awaits you as you admire the decorative stenciling and holiday touches created by the homeowners.
112 Clarke Place
Built in 1908 by Harriet and Ralph Bowers, the freshly painted exterior of this home is a calling card for the treasures that lie within. Italian marble fireplaces grace the foyer and living room, while beautiful stained glass windows are displayed throughout the house.
Recent renovations have revealed exciting discoveries such as a newly uncovered brick kitchen fireplace and original woodwork on the foyer staircase. A proud display of history and warmth of spirit can be enjoyed in this home which will be festively decorated for the holidays by Adrienne Summers of Adrienne’s Flower Delights.
116 Clarke Place
This large turn of the century brick home, built circa 1912, is an excellent example of a “Colonial Four Square” with a slate pitched dormered roof. Original working shutters, bay window areas, porches and balcony are all significant to the historic value of this home which was awarded a plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation.
The interior boasts a double entry foyer, pocket doors, stain glass window, built in floor to ceiling bookcases and interior shuttered windows. Adding to the rich historic features are the homeowners’ treasured family heirlooms. Holiday charm will fill this home with the decorative assistance of Leslie Atanasoff of Molly’s Meanderings.
124 Clark Place
Known to many as the “Mobley Place” this historic home was built by George Lewis Mobley in 1905. Home to four generations of the Mobley Family, this home features five bedrooms and a completely restored attic.
Upon entering the home, notice that most of the original Victorian features remain intact, including intricate, hand-laid parquet floors of mahogany, white oak and maple. An impressive oak mantel with carved columns graces the dining room, complete with its original beveled mirror. The foyer features pocket doors and trim made entirely of unblemished chestnut. The carved newel post at the base of the staircase still lights the room with its original brass lamp to welcome visitors.
Despite the historic charm of the interior, most will agree that the home’s most inviting feature is its magnificent porch. Added along with two upstairs bedrooms in the early 1940’s, the porch generously wraps itself around three quarters of the house. Enjoy holiday accents by Jutta Turrell of Etiquette as you tour the first floor and porch area of this charming home.
Tour tickets cost $15, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number of tickets. For ticket locations, or for more information about this, or any of Celebrate Frederick’s events, please call 301-228-2841, or visit www.celebratefrederick.com.
The Candlelight House Tour would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holidays in Historic Frederick Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Presenting Sponsor: Routzahn’s Furniture and Kehne’s Carpet One; Spires Sponsors: Bechtel Foundation, CellularOne, Drees Homes, Sandy Spring Bank, Spectrum Federal Credit Union and Weis Markets; Carillon Sponsors: Adelphia, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Roy Rogers – A Plamondon Company and The Frederick News-Post; Bandshell Sponsors: BB&T and Frederick Arts Council; Media Sponsor: The Gazette. And a special thank you to the 2006 Hospitality Center sponsor Wells Fargo.
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