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Julia-Ann Square Holiday Home Tour returns

Families, friends gather to take in decorated houses

By Evan Bevins 3 min read

PARKERSBURG -- This weekend's Julia-Ann Square Historic District Holiday Home Tour marked the resumption of an annual tradition for some attendees and a first for others.

"I try to do it whenever it's available," Marietta resident Carol O'Grady said. "I'm really excited about history and keeping the homes up. … I'm so glad they're maintaining these beautiful buildings."

Owners of five homes in the district opened their doors to visitors for guided tours Friday and Saturday and walking tours where folks could start at any of the locations on Sunday.

It was the 20th installment of the event, which helps raise money for the purchase and upkeep of features in the district like period lighting, banners and arches. That milestone was supposed to be reached in 2020, but then COVID came.

"We are so glad to be able to do it again," said Judy Smith, chairwoman of the tour for the district. She and her husband Norm have had a stop on each one of the tours.

"Every house is so different, yet so beautiful this year," said Smith, dressed in circa 1885 attire.

The Smiths' home in the 1000 block of Juliana Street is a favorite of 11-year-old Parkersburg resident Mason Hemingway, attending the tour Sunday with his father Christian.

"I was in (this house) when I was 4 years old. It was my first tour," Mason said. "We like looking at all these old things and the architecture."

While the Smiths are veterans of the tour, Eric and Olivia Tucker were participating for the first time at their home in the 900 block of Juliana. They bought it in 2019 and renovated it over 14 months.

"It's been wonderful just to see so many kind people in our area," Olivia Tucker said Sunday. "We really love our community and the history that's in our area, and we want to share that with other people."

Parkersburg resident Bailey Tisdale was taking in the work, and the second-floor decorations by Victoria West with the Gift Gallery in Vienna.

"I just love seeing all the character in the homes and the decorations and getting some ideas for our own old house," she said.

Barlow resident Mary Pat Morris and her sister Sheila Dye of Marietta came specifically for the Tuckers' house, where their great-great-grandmother, Mary Vincent Acton, was raised. But even folks without a personal connection were intrigued by the tour.

"I love hearing the history, 'cause we're from here," said Parkersburg resident Hailey Drinkard, as she and friend Dawn Miller walked through Shawn and Beverly Critzer's home in the 1000 block of Ann Street. "It is so nice to see new people that have come in and bought the houses."

The Critzers lived elsewhere in the district and participated in previous tours in years past, then recently moved back after purchasing their current house. Shawn Critzer said his favorite part of the tour is seeing people's reactions, especially children's faces.

The Critzers' third floor featured wall-to-wall Christmas decorations, a setup that stays in place year-round. On Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus were stationed there, brought to life by Santa's helpers Stuart and Edith Strash.

The Strashes are just some of the friends and neighbors that help lead tours and guide folks through the homes for the tours.

"It's been absolutely lovely," Stuart Strash said. "The historic district is such a beautiful, beautiful place."

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.

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