Vintage homes open for Peabody tour Dec. 8 & 9

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
A variety of homes reflecting the heritage of the Peabody community will be part of a Christmas Home Tour sponsored by the Peabody Historical Society.


Five vintage homes, from simple farm houses to a house built with oil money at a time when oil dominated this small community, will be on display from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9, in Peabody.


Tickets are $10 and will be available at the Morgan House along with a dessert buffet for $3, featuring assorted sweets, coffee and wassail.


The light-colored brick home of Jack and Kerrie Kirkpatrick, 504 N. Walnut, was built with oil money in 1921 as a home for Bessie Burton’s parents. The square, two-story house is furnished in an arts and crafts style with simple, plain lines. The present decor reflects Kerrie’s love of bird watching and native plants.


John and Julie Irish Torseth will open their home, located at Nighthawk and 60th streets at the southwest corner of town. The home, probably built in the late 1800s, is furnished in a 1920s style. Julie is an avid rug hooker and antique collector.


Another home on the tour, owned by Keith and Marilyn Harsh, has always seemed to be owned by gardening enthusiasts, according to Marilyn Jones with the Historical Society.


The Harshes’ two-story home is located at 700 W. Third. Keith maintains the garden space, which was the pride of his late father, Vernon. The house boasts a large dining room and features Eastlake furniture.


The old Mina Fitch house at 116 W. Third is owned by Del and Linda Eden. This house was built before 1900 by the late William Fitch, a pioneer Peabody settler and one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The decor combines a patriotic theme with a Christmas scheme, using red, white and blue.


Larry and Marion Vickerman, at 803 Maple, have a 1912 bungalow-style home that features a fireplace, wood floors, beamed ceilings and a built-in breakfront. Larry has added wildflowers and native plants to the front entry walkway.

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