Home Tour travels back in time
Anyone who drives through Marshall instantly notices the architecture. Not only the Victorian houses that have been preserved, but also the quirky home designs and centennial farms.
The Home Tour gives you a chance to see behind doors and learn the stories Sept. 6-7. Here is everything you need to know before you visit the City of Hospitality:
Is it about history or is it about design?
The tour is about both! All of the houses were built in the 1800s and feature beautiful restorations with some surprising details.
Discover a playful LEGO retreat at the Bonner home. Stop by Bayberry Interiors when you visit the attached Ostrum home. Admire the antique collection at the Paul Home.
There are eight houses on the tour.
What is an Octagon House?
These eight-sided houses were touted as being super efficient – more space, more sunlight, easier to heat and cool. The Whelan House was built in 1856, at the peak of the trend. Orson Squire Fowler, a phrenologist not an architect, wrote the book “The Octagon House: A Home For All, or A New, Cheap, Convenient, and Superior Mode of Building” in 1848.
Anything else to see after the houses?
Check out one of Marshall’s many museums: the Honolulu House, the Marshall Historical Museum at the GAR Hall, the Capitol Hill School Museum, the Governor’s Mansion, the U.S. Postal Service Museum and the Walters Gasoline Museum.
There are fun items to find in the museums, such as author John Bellair’s bicycle, a diamond mirror and some of the first stamps.
Artists from all over will congregate on the lawn of the Honolulu House for a juried art show. Nearby will be the Vintage Market, if the tour inspires you to go searching for antiques (you should also check out Amazing Grace Antiques).
Every year, the tour also features a non-home building. This year it’s Trinity Episcopal Church, where the stained glass windows are an attractive feature. There will be a stained glass tour at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6.
Can I dance at the Honolulu House Ball?
Yes, anyone can dance at the ball for free. Located in front of the Honolulu House 6 p.m. Saturday, historical reenactors party like it’s 1865. Don’t worry if you left your hoop skirt at home – street clothes are just fine and you’re invited to join in the festivities.
There are some traditional waltz type dances and also lots of square dancing, where you can follow the crowd and the caller tells you what to do. People of all ages and abilities participate. They’ll serve lemonade, water and cookies.
Where should I park?
There is no shuttle, so plan on driving or walking yourself. Driving and parking maps will be included with the ticket.
Your ticket is good for both days, by the way. If you don’t have time to see everything on Saturday, you can come back on Sunday!
Where should I get food and drinks?
If you want to eat in the historic dining room of Schuler’s Restaurant, which has been in service for 100 years, then we recommend calling for a reservation now. Winston’s, the attached pub, is first-come, first-served.
Grand River Brewery and Copper Athletic Club both serve good food and fun cocktails – or opt for the craft beer on tap. Dark Horse Brewing Co. has a nice beer garden with live music.
Go back in time with an old-fashioned root beer float at the Hi-Lite Drive-in.
Speaking of ice cream, True North is getting people talking with its unique flavors and alcohol-infused ice cream. It’s all homemade.
