The Journey Inward

This is one of my favorite times of year, when my town offers historic home and building tours. It’s our third annual and hundreds of people come out, regardless of the weather. Some on foot and many taking advantage of our sweet trolleys, sidewalks are bustling with tourists curious to learn some history and see some beautiful decor. 

This is my second year being a volunteer with the event. Last year, I stood outside in the blazing heat, keeping a long line of visitors entertained, while they waited for the next six to be brought in. This year I was on the upper floor of the house right around the corner from me. The couple hosted a cocktail party for their volunteers last Friday night so that we could learn all about the house and get to know each other as a team. This house has been under renovation for a year and a half, and it was such a privilege to get a first hand tour from the owners.

I spent three hours showing the upstairs of their 1920 house today and it felt like 20 minutes! With each new wave of guests, I began by showing the original primary bedroom, featuring two walk-in closets, one of which had been made into a small office.

It was such a pleasure to speak about the art they have collected from all over the world, both by living overseas and by traveling. Visitors enjoyed the remodeled bathroom with penny tile and the original features, like the built-in cupboard, the pumpkin pine floors on the back staircase, and a stained glass window.  The owners had many photographs and documents from their grandparents and great grandparents displayed throughout.  

I then ushered the visitors into the addition. Whereas people would utter a sweet, “Awww!” when they saw the charming little closet office, their jaws would drop when I showed them the walk-in closet of the new primary bedroom! With a plush round cushion seat in the center, it looks like something out of an old time Hollywood closet!  The view of the beautiful backyard and the stunning tile in the new primary en suite grabbed everyone’s attention, and the entire upstairs showed like a museum of global and historical artifacts.

I also got to see old friends who came through, teachers I taught with 34 years ago, and a friend I know from an online group. 

My host had said I was welcome to sit in the antique chair in the hallway if I needed a rest, but there was never a break in the action! The snacks I brought went uneaten, though I did sip my tea throughout my shift! 

After a quick lunch back at home, my friend joined me to tour the houses in the afternoon! We couldn’t make it to everything, but we knocked out the few I really wanted to get to, including having her go to the house I had been a docent at. 

The event ended with a volunteer party at one of the organizer's house right on Main Street. It was a great way to laugh and mingle with my neighbors and larger community and have some wonderful conversations. I love meeting new people and small doses like this are perfect for this extroverted introvert!

I absolutely love this tradition and how generous the homeowners are in this town to open their private sanctuaries to the public.

Photo:  Tour book and Old Egg Auction. 6.21.25 by LA