News from Poudre Landmarks Foundation

Poudre Landmarks Foundation

Issue No. 1

Historic Homes Tour a Success

28th Annual Tour Celebrates 100th Birthday of City Park
Historic Home Tour on Jackson Street

Poudre Landmarks Foundation's 28th Annual Historic Homes Tour events were held on September 7th and 8th as part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of City Park. Over 1000 guests toured 9 historic homes overlooking City Park, toured vintage Airstream trailers, and enjoyed a birthday party like no other.

Mother Nature provided a perfect weekend for the 3 events. Evening at the Park, held on Friday the 7th, offered guests an elegant picnic atmosphere that included live music, catered food and drink, tours of 3 beautiful historic private homes, a 1912 clothing exhibit, a live and silent auction, and fun for all.

On Saturday, the Historic Homes Tour featured tours of 6 distinctive private historic homes facing City Park. Several decades of twenthieth century architectural styles were highlighted including Craftsmen, Italian Renaissance, Prairie, Mission, and vernacular. Of special interest was the Mission Style home at 1418 W. Oak Street that was built in 1924 for

Sara Avery and her daughter, Ethel.

If you passed by City Park that day you would have seen the eight vintage Airstream trailers available for tours. An American icon since the 1930's, these "homes on wheels" are a memento of the open road. The trailers' streamlined shape and use of aluminum have inspired generations of travelers. The Airstream tour was added to the Homes Tour to pay homage to the campground that was once part of City Park.

The City Park neighborhood grew up and around the Park and remains a vibrant part of our community. Many thanks to the wonderful home owners who allowed access to their homes and to the numerous businesses and individuals who generously provided sponsorships for our events. We look forward to next year's tour that will be held on Saturday, September 14th, 2013.

Holiday Open House at the Avery House

Celebrate the holidays in Victorian splendor at the Avery House Holiday Open House! Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Tuesday, December 4th from 5 - 7 p.m. Experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas with period decorations, live music, and costumed hosts. Visit the Avery Carriage House Gift Shop for Christmas craft items, baked goods, and handmade toffee. Free admission, donations appreciated.

Our 'Twas The Night Before Christmas event will delight children with a tour of the decorated Avery House, a reading of Clement Clarke Moore's classic 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, and refreshments in the Carriage House. Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st,

5 and 6 p.m. $3.00 per child (must be accompanied by an adult.) Reservations Required by calling Joann Thomas at 970-482-7125.

In This Issue

28th Annual Historic Homes Tour

Holiday Open House

Avery House Improvements

Have You Visited The Avery House This Year?

The Avery House property received quite a face lift this past summer. A new roof was installed on the 1879 house, using fire-resistant shake shingles that meet City and State historic preservation standards. The existing wood shingles were badly damaged and posed a danger for leakage into the house.

The Avery grounds also benefited from

improvement efforts. A new cedar fence was installed along the north and east borders of the property and new landscaping was installed that features plants popular in Fort Collins at the turn of the 20th Century. The plants were researched by

PLF volunteers and City staff.

The Avery House property unfortunately lost four cherished cottonwood trees lining Meldrum Street that were believed to have been planted by Franklin Avery shortly after the house was built in 1879. Historic photos dating back to 1890 show the line of trees standing taller than the house. The trees have provided shade and a historic atmosphere to the Avery property for decades. The loss of the trees is regrettable but was needed due to safety concerns.

The Avery House is open for tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. Trained docents will lead you on a trip back in time as you tour the house. During your visit be sure to enjoy the recent improvements!

Join us in our efforts to promote historic preservation and education in the Fort Collins community and beyond.

Poudre Landmarks Foundation

www.poudrelandmarks.org

[email protected]

(970) 221-0533

Welcome to Poudre Landmarks Foundation's email news group. You are receiving this because you have indicated interest in our non-profit organization's activities and in the history of Fort Collins. We would love to hear from you about your interests and any questions you may have. You can contact us by email at [email protected].