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 in September. 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! Almost of the houses were built in the 1800s (one was built in 1902) and feature beautiful restorations with some surprising details.
Admire the instrument collection of two professional musicians. See a house that was moved into a new neighborhood. Take in the culture at EastEnd Studios and the third-floor ballroom.
There are six houses on the tour.
What is "patent medicine”?
In the 1800s, it was popular to try to cure ills with “patent medicine” -- elixirs and pills with secret ingredients that were sold over the counter instead of prescribed by a doctor. Marshall was once known as a “patent medicine town,” with more than 50 different companies in the area. One of them was headed by the eccentric entrepreneur Lucius (“Lute”) Page, who built the house at 751 E. Mansion St.
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 couple of non-home buildings. This year it’s the First Presbyterian Church and EastEnd Studios.
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.
Stagecoach Inn 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.
