Historic Homes Tour returns with holiday theme

FINDLAY — Santa would feel right at home if he had time to drop by the homes on the Hancock Historical Museum's 2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition. This beloved tradition returns Dec. 14, offering a rare chance for visitors to explore Findlay's architectural heritage as well as some of the city's most beautiful historic homes — spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s — each decked in festive holiday décor. "I'm tremendously excited for this year's Holiday Edition of the Historic Homes Tour, especially as my first as executive director," said Abigail Inbody. "The tradition of opening these beautiful, storied homes to the community is truly special, and it's an honor to help carry it forward." The event has been a community favorite for more than 30 years, she said. "The Historic Homes Tour is biennial, however, this is the first time it's ever been in December," said Inbody. "It's typically a spring event, but we wanted to make it a holiday theme to try something new." "Since I joined the museum in February, I've been so inspired by our creative programs and the incredible support from our volunteers, homeowners and neighbors. It's clear that these events mean a great deal to our community, and I'm grateful to be part of something that brings people together to celebrate our shared history and holiday spirit," she added. The tour will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can explore at their leisure while docents share the histories and architectural highlights of each property. Participants can start at any home and create their own path, said Inbody. The historical museum is still seeking volunteers for this one-of-a-kind event, she noted. All training and historical information will be provided. For more information or to sign up, visit the main page of the museum's website. Featured homes on this year's tour include: • Decker-Hopkins House (c. 1874) — 1214 Hurd Ave. This Italianate home, built by John H. Decker, features tall arched windows, high ceilings and original woodwork, including pocket doors and staircases, along with its original carriage house. Decker, a prominent local druggist, hardware dealer and railway investor, was part of the partnership that launched the Findlay Gas Boom. Later residents included Daniel and Caroline McConnell, and Lyle and Irene Miller, who restored the home for the first Historic Homes Tour in 1974. Current homeowners Richard and Robin Hopkins have continued the restoration with period-accurate window replacements, reinstalled original front doors and porch railings, a remodeled bathroom and extensive gardens. There are 25-plus Christmas trees on display, each with a unique theme. • Messinger-Aldrich House (c. 1903) — 1035 S. Main St. This Colonial Revival home was built for Amy and Charles Messinger and features square fluted porch pillars, leaded glass sidelights and distinctive bays that add charm and function to the interior. The house later became home to Edward Jackson and Fred Moran, prominent local businessmen, before passing through several owners. Today, Brian and Susan Blosser, followed by John and Kathy Aldrich, have carefully restored the home, updating plumbing, electrical and finishes while preserving its historic character. • Job Chamberlin Jr. House (c. 1874) — 1014 S. Main St. This three-story South Main Street home began as a modest one-and-a-half-story brick house built by Job Chamberlin, a merchant and member of one of Findlay's founding families. In 1914, Mary Helen Hosler expanded the home into a showplace, adding a north-facing entrance, wraparound porch, large front living room and modern painted woodwork. Over the years, the house has been updated and preserved by successive owners, including Hal and Rosalinda Paul, who showcased it on the 1984 Findlay Historic Homes Tour, and Mitchell and Carrie Hammond, who purchased it in 2013. • George Treece House (c. 1888) — 908 S. Main St. This Queen Anne home showcases hallmark Victorian features, including asymmetrical façades, wraparound porches and delicate spindle work "gingerbread" ornamentation. Retired farmer George Treece commissioned the home which later passed through the hands of Charles B. Baker and the Cook family. Today, Timothy and Karman Lauth have restored the exterior with historically accurate paint colors, maintaining the home's charm while celebrating its intricate woodwork, original floor plans, and period detailing. • Emmor L. Entrikin House (c. 1885) — 844 S. Main St. Built by local architects Kramer & Zoll, this Queen Anne home features intricate gables, large windows and an asymmetrical façade. Originally home to Emmor and Laura Entrikin and later their daughter Elsie and husband Milton Spitler, the house remained in the family for nearly a century. Over the years, it housed notable residents, including former mayor Clarence Gassman. Today, Craig and Robin Schroeder have undertaken extensive restorations, including a first-floor master suite, new kitchen and living spaces, updated laundry and a multi-year exterior renovation. The current owners report encountering paranormal experiences since owning this home. • Swan House Tea & Coffee (c. 1857) — 225 W. Sandusky St. The oldest house on the tour is this Italianate home, originally built by C. A. McConnell. It features a perfectly symmetrical front facade, segmentally arched windows and a dramatic cantilevered first-floor porch with ornate woodwork and iron cresting. The house passed through several prominent owners, including Peter Hosler, whose family lived there in the late 19th century, and later David Hosler, before evolving into a tea room and art studio in the early 20th century. In 1998, Rindy Crates, Kay Kose and Vicki Powell restored the home, uncovering its original high ceilings, front entrance and shutters, and opened it as "The Swan House" tea room. Beverly Robb purchased it in 2008. And in 2025, Joy Barger took ownership, continuing renovations including a coffee bar, new outdoor patio, and upstairs apartment and Airbnb spaces. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of the tour ($25 for museum members), available at the museum, 422 W. Sandusky St., or online at hancockhistoricalmuseum.org Proceeds support the museum's programming and operations. This year's tour is presented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: Koehler Realty, Swan House and Burlwick & Co. For more details, including a tour map, call the museum at 419-423-4433 or visit the website.