Following is an overview of the four homes featured on this year?s tour.
n Steve and Virginia Stafford recently purchased what has been called for many years the ?Schroeder House? at the corner of Grand and Jefferson (401 E. Grand).
Construction of the home began in 1916 and was completed in 1917?a time that is ironically called the Arts and Crafts era (meaning craftsmanship).
In keeping with that era, the Staffords have removed carpet on the main floor and refinished hardwood floors and placed area rugs.
Their furnishings and accessories are either originals (a 1929 Japanese-made Victrola) or reproductions such as their Mission-style living room and dining room furniture.
Virginia Stafford has a doll collection, with some dating back into the late 1880s, and the collection is displayed in her ?doll room.?
Original chandeliers and rich woodwork make this house a real treasure. The family Christmas tree will be loaded with decorations and the rest of the house will carry out a lovely but simple holiday theme.
n The home of Tim and Donna Diener, 206 Eisenhower, is a charming ranch style that has a large room that was added onto the back of the house by the previous owners. This room, the family living area, decorated in country style, and features a large entertainment center handcrafted by Tim Diener.
Other wood-crafted pieces in this home that were built by him, with the help of Daryl Bartel, include a dining table and china hutch, kitchen cabinets, and a built-in desk in the kitchen area.
Also on display are the family?s collections of electric trains and Santas, as well as Teddy Bears in the children?s rooms.
n When tourists arrive at the home of David and Brenda McGinness, 700 S. Adams, they will want to park in the Tabor parking lot at the end of South Adams and walk down the private drive.
This berm home features a large fireplace in the living room and the McGinnesses? many antiques placed throughout the house. Brenda plans to use Christmas decorations she has had for several years, as well as many decorating ideas from her floral and gift shop, Brenda?s Bloomers.
n Boyd and Elaine Cargill reside in California, but have family in Hillsboro?daughter Carolyn Brazil and husband Randy and their three children.
The Cargills purchased a Hillsboro home a block away from their family, located at 514 S. Wilson. They took this modest three-bedroom ranch-style home and built up and out to make it into a dream home with five bedrooms and several bathrooms.
This home features two master bedrooms, one on each floor, with built-in bookshelves and a large bathroom with laundry facilities in each.
The three grandchildren were each allowed to decorate their own rooms with their favorite colors and decor.
The sunroom has a warm fireplace, and features a large deck just outside.
Decorations will include German nutcrackers and smokers that the family has collected over many years of traveling.
This article was submitted by Jane Long, Holiday Home Tour coordinator.
