Historic-home owners raise over $10,000 for Turnage Theater | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Twelve Washington families opened their doors last Saturday to over 500 strangers from Washington, Greenville, Cary, Tarboro, New Bern and Wilmington, to help raise money for the beleaguered Turnage Theater. Bands of tourists could be seen along the sidewalks of Main Street and its tributaries, trouping from house to house, which were all magazine-ready and decorated for Christmas.

    Over $10,000 was amassed by the Historic Homes Christmas Tour--all of which will be applied to the Turnage Theater Foundation's general fund.

    "It's a great thing," said Turnage Theater Box Office Manager Katherine Buchholz. "It's unfortunate that it's already been allotted to something. We're just going to be paying things that, you know, have to be paid."

    Buchholz said that the event organizers were not anticipating such a large turnout. The previous homes tour, held in 2008, only sold 128 tickets. The tour began at 10 a.m., and at 3 p.m. Buchholz was still selling tickets, at $25 apiece, to latecomers who were hoping to hit all 12 stops by 5 p.m.

    "I've just been able to fill up my water bottle and eat something. It's been crazy all morning long," said Buchholz.

    Though Buchholz, sitting up at the box office, was the face of the tour, she gave all the credit to the working arms of the Homes Tour Committee--comprised of volunteers Jeff Phipps, Mary Jane Cook, Melina Menzie, Cindy Davis and Bill and Judy Lord.

    "Basically, I'm just going to leave it to the ladies, because apparently they know what they're doing," said Buchholz.

    Even with such success, whether or not the Turnage Theater will repeat the Historic Homes Christmas Tour in 2011 will depend on the willingness of volunteers. The Homes Tour Committee is losing its President, Jeff Phipps, and will need someone to step up.

    "Phipps is coming off the board. He's served his time, and, is now, free to go," said Buchholz.

    For the mapped locations and images of all 12 homes, click here.













Home #1
820 Park Drive
Walter and Deborah Page Wright
Originally constructed in 1941, and later remodeled in 2006, this shotgun style cottage was further modified with PVC fencing and the addition of a front overhang with columns in 2009. Interior décor exhibits local art and traditional furnishings, creating a cozy southern ambiance in this cottage bungalow. Traditional Christmas décor, collectibles from years past and greenery set the stage for the holiday.

Home #2
513 East Second Street
Ed and Shirley Stone
Built in 1891 by Ira C. Congleton and Sallie Chauncey Congleton, this home remained in the Congleton family for over 100 years. It was purchased and beautifully restored by Ed and Shirley Stone, through their daughter, Kasey Stone Stamey of Clerestory Design and Restoration. Vintage decorations from the 1940's and 50's, a vintage mailbox, Christopher Radko ornaments, Byer's carolers and a gingerbread kitchen make this a true Christmas home.

Home #3
420 East Main Street
John and Nancy O'Neill
Circa 1900, this home has gone through extensive additions and renovations to bring it to its present state. In the most recent renovations, extreme care was taken in retaining as many of the original wood floors and details. Use of fresh greenery, splashes of color and candlelight add an elegant touch to the traditional Christmas décor.

Home #4
400 East Main Street
Virginia Finnerty
This Colonial Revival style house was built in 1906 by St. Peter Episcopal Church as a rectory. It was home to the Capehart family from 1950 to 1980. It has been a B&B and a private home since 1980. It reopened as a B&B in the spring of 2010. The Christmas décor is traditional, using red, green and gold. The Christmas tree is decorated with old-fashioned glass ornaments, handmade items by the children and gifts of friends. Throughout, you will see a family collection of pine cones, snowmen, nutcrackers and Lladro ornaments.

Home #5
122 South Academy
Al and Angela Crisp
This Queen Anne style house was built by Charles Hassel of Washington. The home was purchased in 2000 by the current owners who undertook an extensive seven year restoration. Period materials were used whenever possible in the restoration. Notice the original 6' pocket doors, heart pine flooring and six working fireplaces. The three-story home is rich in detail, as can be seen in the decorations used to celebrate the Christmas season.

House #6
323 East Main Street
Annette Jefferson
Nestled in our charming historic neighborhood, the Samuel Daniel's House welcomes you with cheerful colors and unexpected décor that gives new meaning to southern comfort. When walking through this house you will find the Christmas spirit abounds.

House #7
213 North Market Street
Scott Campbell and William Sykes
Fresh greenery and traditional décor highlight loft living in Washington's "Old Fire Station." Completed in 2009, the West Loft in First Station Lofts encompasses the space that was once the dance hall and meeting rooms of Beaufort County Community College. Original red-oak hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, onyx fireplace surround, a 25' high ceiling and an incredible rooftop terrace make this loft a holiday showplace.

House #8
115 North Pierce Street
John and Katherine Tate
Originally built as a single story home in 1898, a second story was added soon after the turn of the century. Recently restored, this beautiful home is decorated with Dickens carolers, whimsical snowmen and fresh greenery.

House #9
604 West Second Street
Justin and Monica Ferrari
This turn of the century Queen Anne/Colonial Revival home evokes a feeling of a traditional German Christmas. The home has undergone extensive restorations in recent years, and the care and attention of the current owners is easily observed. An Advent wreath, Advent calendar, tinsel and candles on the tree, and collection of nutcrackers compliment the themed home.

House #10
121 Washington Street
Hazel K. Arnold
This recently restored American Foursquare/Prairie Style home is filled with collectibles and a riot of color. Christmas is the favorite holiday of the year for this homeowner, who spends several weeks prior to Christmas preparing her home for friends and family to help celebrate this most joyous season.

House #11
724 West Main Street
Frannye Fowle
Built in 1917, this craftsman house exudes warmth and charm. Once inside, one gets the feeling of an English country home. Rooms flow from one into the other with many windows and beamed high ceilings. A large, beautifully adorned Fraser fir takes pride of place in the traditionally decorated Christmas home.

House #12
735 West Main Street
Winfield and Emily Mayne
This beautifully restored circa-1912 Colonial Revival home is full of traditional themes. Note the extensive collection of nutcrackers in the dining room and the use of fresh greenery throughout. Rich colors, fine details and touches of whimsy create a truly festive holiday home.
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