Fitchburg Historical Society’s Annual House Tour Celebrates the City’s Architectural Heritage
The Fitchburg Historical Society will offer its Annual Holiday House Tours on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 11 am to 4 pm. This fundraiser will welcome visitors into twelve of Fitchburg’s architecturally significant buildings, beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Fitchburg Historical Society House Tour is a popular annual fundraiser that celebrates Fitchburg’s architectural heritage while helping to support the educational and preservation programs of the Fitchburg Historical Society, a 124-year old nonprofit that preserves Fitchburg’s historical treasures.
Some of the homes showcase architecture by Fitchburg’s best known Victorian architect, Henry M. Francis. They date from the years around 1900, and represent such popular architectural styles as Art Nouveau, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Victorian Eclecticism. Many of the building interiors also include extraordinary architectural details, such as grand fireplaces, Arts and Crafts tiles, custom woodwork and stonework. For example, the Beck home features a magnificent stone staircase at its entrance, leading to an elegant wrap-around porch.
In addition to seven private residences, other participating venues include: St. Francis Church, the Boulder Art Gallery, Gerry’s Martel’s Classic Carriages, the Fitchburg Historical Society, and the Fay Club. The Fay Club is a magnificent mansion designed by American architect Richard Upjohn (famous for the Trinity Church on Wall Street). It will serve as the “Tea Room” for the day, where House Tour participants can stop for tea, coffee and desserts.
Tickets for the December 3, 2016, House Tours are $20.00 each and can be purchased starting on Wednesday, November 2, at Shack’s Clothing, Mill #3, Elliot’s Jewelers, Homestead Primitives, Windmill Florist, the Mayor’s Office at 166 Boulder Drive, DeBonis & Davin Florist, Slattery’s Restaurant and at the Fitchburg Historical Society. Charles Sternaimolo (photographer), Anne Giancola (graphic artist) and to Miles Press (printers) created the posters, brochures, and tickets for the House Tours.
The Fitchburg Historical Society is located at 781 Main Street, Fitchburg in the historic Phoenix building. There is abundant on-street parking near the Historical Society and free parking behind the building. The building is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-345-1157, email welcome@fitchburghistoricalsociety.com, visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org or https://www.facebook.com/FitchburgHistoricalSociety.