Monday, September 19, 2011

The Home and Garden Tour


The Home and Garden Tour

The House of Edward sits within a neighbourhood of old houses. The oldest was built around 1900 and whilst that may seem young as springtime to my friends in other countries, here in the southern states, it’s rather impressive. Our gardens are large, our trees ancient and massive, and every single house has a different design. About ten years ago, during the rapacious property mania here in America, our neighbourhood of old houses and park-like lots attracted the squint-eyed notice of salivating developers hungry to buy up several houses at once in order to carve out little over-stuffed kingdoms of mediocrity. One even tried to purchase one house and replace it with sixteen. Now, I rarely jump squarely in the middle of contention but this hit too close to home, so I girded my loins and opened my front door. The Songwriter and I joined in with other neighbours in a fight to protect our low density zoning, which the developers needed to change in order to achieve their goals of chockablock sameness. During this protracted battle, it occurred to me that perhaps we needed a bit of attention, a spotlight of sorts that would train its glow on our uniqueness and charm and educate the powers that be on all the reasons our neighbourhood deserved legislative protection. So, I organized a home and garden tour.

I will always be incredibly grateful for the homeowners who agreed to put their homes on that first tour. I’m not sure I would have been quite so eager to join in on that novice venture, led by a woman who’d never before attempted such a organizational feat. I well remember the trepidation I felt when I called a local florist to see if she might be willing to do the flowers for one house. As I waited for her to answer the phone I looked down at my list of florists, consoling myself with the thought that, if she refused, at least I had more possibilities. I couldn’t believe it when she said, “Don’t bother asking anyone else. I’ll be happy to do them all.” I designed and printed programs, I lined up volunteers to take tickets at each house, I did interviews with local papers, I tied balloons on mailboxes. The morning of the tour arrived and it hit me that I had assigned all the positions and now had nothing to do. The Songwriter headed out for his volunteer shift at one of the houses and left me sitting at the kitchen table, heart pounding. I wandered from room to room, wringing my hands, certain the day was destined to be a total flop. And then the phone rang. It was The Songwriter... “Hon, you won’t believe it. Cars are lined up and down the street. There are so many people coming!”. Relief, sweet teary-eyed relief.

That was ten years ago and believe it or not, the tour still continues. It’s become a village tradition, one celebrated and looked forward to by those inside our neighbourhood and out. Older people come back from all over to visit the places they once lived and it’s such a thrill to see them led through their former homes by the young folks who now reside there, all with big grins on their faces. And I’m happy to say that we are now recognized and appreciated by our city officials who point to our vintage neighbourhood as one of their crowning jewels, worthy of preservation and pride. The developers have slithered back from whence they came, at least for the present. I’ll be waiting if they return.

Today is tour day and we have some delightful homes this year. I will be hosting a party here at The House of Edward in the evening for all the homeowners, a time for them to relax and swap tour stories. We’ve been fluffing and pluffing all week long, raiding the garden for the last summer flowers, stirring chocolate, chilling wine. Edward, who loves nothing more than a party, knows something is up. I wish you all could join us, but as that’s not possible, here are a few photos to give you a taste of the evening to come!









35 comments:

  1. Hello Pamela:
    How splendid all of this is and how wonderful that you have, with all of your combined efforts, defeated the clamour of those who confuse Progress with Profit.

    Tomorrow is, most certainly, living proof that from small acorns large, metaphoric oaks do grow and we are certain that the day will prove to be a huge success. And what fun you will all have afterwards recounting the events of the afternoon, telling we hopemerry stories far into the night.

    As for the poster, a triumph of execution and design.

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  2. How marvelous..I would love to visit:))Have a grand time dearest..

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  3. How simply brillant! I adore Home Tours -- my favorite is The Azalea Tour in Houston in the early spring -- a combination of home-and-gardens! Your neighbourhood is so lucky to have such a strong warrior as your to create such a wonderful House Tour! Best of all good wishes for great weather and great fun for all! Please do take photos around the neighbourhood (especially of the floral arrangements!) -- and around the evening festivities too!

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  4. Will Edward be escorting the visitors ?

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  5. How absolutely wonderful - I long to join you. But instead, I will raise a wee toast tomorrow night (from way up here) to those ten very successful years. Bravo and well done!

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  6. What a fab project. I love a nosy into peoples homes, so I think I'd be first in line for your tour.

    I like the idea of past owners being reunited with their memories of your home. It makes me wonder if one of my childhood homes remains how I remember it.

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  7. Pamela...you go girl! Look what you've gone and done...you don't know how muchy this delights me as I've seen so many glorious old neighborhoods here in Seattle lose their charm, character, history and sense of self to those nasty, heartless, selfish, thoughtless, and sterile (and yes, mediocre) developers. It's one of our hot buttons here and I absolutely loved hearing about your efforts and successes in thwarting those ogres of blah...well done to all (huge grin)!!
    Wish we could attend, your home looks beautiful...enjoy your party so well deserved!
    xo J~

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  8. I loved reading this, and love what you are doing. I wish more people would stand up to that sort of development. I grew up in and LOVE the South. Your words of old gardens and ancient trees stirred many memories for me!
    I know that your tour will be so, so lovely and your party - well, perfect.
    Here's to you, dear Pamela!
    xo isa

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  9. ...........and as you slip into your party dress and become the perfect hostess, I just know all your neighbors will be so thankful for all you've done to save the neighborhood over the past years. Well done Pamela, have a wonderful day tomorrow............just wish I could join in.

    Mary

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  10. I know what you mean about the "little Kingdoms of Mediocrity" in so many Atlanta neighborhoods. We are constantly astounded by the NEW "Mansions" built on stamp sized lots and piled one upon the other. I always ask my husband, "Does anybody really need a house THAT huge?"
    On the other hand, I am always charmed at Atlanta's beautiful old neighborhoods which are kept up so fastidiously with magnificent gardens galore. I am sure you know the lady who lives in the Tudor Style 1920's home who puts in about 5000 tulips every Spring??!
    Any way, as one who lives in a circa 1890's home in the South, I appreciate what you have done to save the old beauties. Cheers to you and have a great tour!

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  11. Pamela you have accomplished a great thing...for all historical neighborhoods everywhere.

    I adore home tours and love the images you have shown, I hope we will see more.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come and join my Giveaway from Interieurs!

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  12. I, too, am familiar with the lack of restraint by some developers in Seattle. Our Historical Society has done a great deal to preserve many buildings and homes, but alas I am not a member so cannot give details. For several years I lived in a 1928 Anhalt building (old in this part of the country) on Capitol Hill (one historic neighborhood) and loved walking the many blocks during all kinds of weather and taking in all the architectural history, and, what in my imagination, were the comings and goings of families of yesteryear. (Sigh)
    Congratulations on your leading the way in the fight in your own area, Pamela. I look forward to your next post.
    I've never seen a planter of a dog like Edward..precious!

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  13. I would love to attend your home and garden tour - houses from that era, in my experience tend to be beautifully proportioned and designed - I think there is a special level of hell for greedy, creatively numb developers who can only see short term gain and profits. Well done on defending your patch so successfully and hoping you have had another wonderful weekend sharing your homes.

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  14. Splendid. And Edward's picture here is just befitting of such a NOBLE CANINE!!!!!! Dearest, thank you for popping by, Anita

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  15. I am thrilled to read about what you and others have done in preserving homes and history.

    While I know that there are new homes out there that are loved and will one day become part of someone's happy history, I am so happy to wake up each morning in my older home in an area of similar homes. I hope if I ever need to step up to the plate for preservation, I can do what you did.

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  16. How fantastic, Pamela! I love to see you celebrate the homes and gardens of our older neighborhoods; I wish I could go on the tour today, please do post pics or links. In fact, I am going to google it now. Hope you have a wonderful tour and party this eve~

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  17. do you hear the clapping and cheering pamela? congratulations!

    love every aspect of your story from start to finish, bravo!!! braving developers and city officials is not for the faint of heart, i know, battling on our home front too. but you all persevered and in a positive manner with the fruit of your labors enjoyed by many.

    wonderful story
    debra

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  18. Hi Pamela,
    Firstly, I love your poster/invitation....very Clarice Cliff. ....and, what a great idea too.
    Over here, many villages open their gardens and homes to the public in the summer months, usually for charity. We love to go and look and get some lovely ideas and, there is always tea, coffee and cake to be had.
    I am sure that you will have as successful a day as you have had over the past 10 years.
    Hope Edward enjoys himself too ! XXXX

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  19. How fabulous! i love home and garden tours. Have a wonderful party tonight!

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  20. Oh how I wish! That is my most favored thing to do...getting a peek inside beautiful old homes...seeing the history...what a wonderful thing to do!

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  21. PS: The new series of Downton Abbey starts tonight....I'm so excited !! I expect that you will be getting it soon. XXXX

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  22. All Historical Neighborhoods applaud the efforts of the preservationist battle against the bulldozer!! A salute to the victor!!

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  23. So glad you "stood up " for preservation of your neighborhood!
    Wish I was there to take the tour! XO

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  24. I hope you had a wonderful day!
    I'm so sorry I missed it. You know how I love gardens and homes...

    Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday with or without bells :)

    xo
    Brooke

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  25. Pamela, you should be so very proud, 10 years is awesome! There's nothing better than a tour of remarkable homes that truly show how priceless they really are! I'm so happy I dropped in!

    Nancy

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  26. Oh I so wish that I loved closer so that I could see this magical place.

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  27. you must publish this ahead of time next year I would so be up for a day trip to Atlanta(I grew up there). I am sure it was wonderful.

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  28. I wish I was near enough to come to that party Pamela. I have wandered round so many villages in the US and Canada and thought how lovely it would be to look inside some of the houses. Often the farmer and i have walked round in the fading light, when the lights have been on inside the houses and they all look so inviting. Have alovely evening.

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  29. Would have loved to step through the doors of history...to see how they're occupied by the younger set.

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  30. What a worthwhile and rewarding project. I'm sure it's a great pleasure to you --as well as quite a lot of work.
    It must be a big hit with your neighbors and the outsiders who come in.
    So sad when old houses get bashed down for "McMansions" ......almost always with almost no garden at all.

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  31. I'm late to the party, Pamela, but, I'm sure the home and garden tour was splendid and all worked out well. How I wish I could have been there. What a wonderful endeavor on your part, and all who followed.

    Having been heavily involved in a yearly garden walk for the past 6 years, I know the effort that goes into such events, and I have heard of the early efforts to get it off of the ground.

    We also have a gathering of the homeowners, only ours takes place a few weeks before the walk. It is so rewarding to watch them interact and get to know each other.

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  32. Wonderful idea and lovely photos!

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  33. I wish I lived a little bit nearer, I would love to visit.

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  34. This sounds so amazing! I hope you had a lovely time and everyone enjoyed themselves. :)

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  35. Hejsa.
    Hvilken vidunderlig hund du har.
    Ønsker dig en god tirsdag.
    Knus Hanne Bente
    www.finus.dk

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!