Fitchburg Historical Society’s Annual House Tour Presents an All-Star Collection of Local Architecture

The Fitchburg Historical Society will offer its Annual Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 11 am to 4 pm. This fundraiser will welcome visitors into fourteen of Fitchburg’s architecturally significant buildings, beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Fitchburg Historical Society House Tour is one of Fitchburg’s biggest holiday events: it celebrates Fitchburg and its architecture while supporting the educational and preservation mission of the Fitchburg Historical Society, a 125-year old nonprofit on Main Street.

 

Some of the homes showcase architecture from the Victorian era in Fitchburg. Others date from the height of Fitchburg’s first “Golden Age,” the years from 1900 to 1920, when industrial production and population grew explosively, making Fitchburg the most important cultural center in central Massachusetts. These buildings were designed by important regional and national architects like Richard Upjohn, Henry M. Francis (based in Fitchburg), Solomonsky Architects of New York City, Boston’s Oscar Thayer, landscape designer Herbert J. Kellaway and architect James A. Britton, who was also celebrated for his restoration architecture at Old Sturbridge Village.

 

In addition to nine private residences, other participating venues include: Applewild School, 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 2, 2017, House Tours are $25.00 each and can be purchased starting on Monday, November 13, 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.