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Deck the Halls…
Sparkling lights, heirloom ornaments and Christmas trees galore are just a few things guests on this year’s Fantasy of Lights Holiday Homes Tour can expect. Five Sealy homeowners and one church are busy this week putting the finishing touches on Christmas decorations they hope will knock the socks off visitors, and leave them in the holiday spirit. The homes tour, held in conjunction with this year’s three-day Fantasy of Lights celebration, is sure to having something for everyone, said Nancy Naron, who is organizing the event. “You want homes that have some kind of special, unusual and interesting aspect. We like to mix it up so that we can appear to different people. We’ll have older homes on the tour, new homes and this year we have Trinity Lutheran Church on the tour.” Naron said it’s important to find a homeowner who is sociable and comfortable with opening their doors to the public since an estimated 100 to 250 potential strangers could be walking through their doors. “Trying to find the right people to be on the tour requires a lot of elements,” said Naron, whose house is featured on this year’s tour. “The people touring are mostly interested in seeing a home they’ve never been inside of, or getting decorating tips they can take home and use.” Guests have their choice of tours this year. On Friday, Dec. 5, a guided bus tour will make its way to each of the homes. Tickets for the bus tour are $20 and can be purchased for the 5 or 7 p.m. tour at Hometown Ace Hardware in Sealy. An at-your-own-pace tour will start Saturday at 11 a.m. with homes open for tour through 5 p.m. Tickets for these tours may be purchased at each home for $5 each or $15 for a group package. There is no admission to the Trinity Lutheran Church. “All proceeds benefit the Sealy Rotary, which will use the money to fund scholarships for Sealy High School students, support Meals on Wheels, Family Outreach and other charities,” Naron said. The following homes are on this year’s tour: 613 Ward Street This marks the second year Naron’s home is on the holiday tour. Known as the Ward House, Naron and Dennis Holder have spent the past two years restoring the two story Queen Home, built in 1893. “Before we even closed on the house, we had people asking us to put it on the homes tour,” Naron said. “It was in bad shape.” Saws, benches, and hammers were put away last year so that guests could tour the unfinished home, but the home is now restored and Naron is looking forward to seeing guests’ reaction. The house has several typical Queen Anne features including two-story wrap-around porches and a cupola on the roof. The original well house is still located just behind the kitchen. “I have always loved Christmas and collected ornaments,” she said. “I think the tours are a chance for some to see a particular house they’ve always wanted a closer look at, and to get decorating tips. It’s always great fun.” 612 Westview Terrace Circle This year marks Jeri and John Dulaney’s first venture into holiday home tours. Their two-story red brick traditional home, built roughly 10 years ago, will have something for everyone, Jeri Dulaney said. “I’m looking forward to the tour,” she added, “but you’re always a little nervous about it. They’re paying to see your house. I want to impress them.” She does admit to having one secret up her sleeve - Christmas ornaments from her European tours. “I’ve been going to Europe for years, and when I go, I always bring home a different Christmas ornament from the different countries,” she said. “Those will be on display. That’s a special thing.” 923 Atchison Street Restoring a nearly 100 year old home was quite a feat for Bobby Schoelman and his wife Jenny. What started as a fun project eight months ago will come to fruition next month when the couple opens the doors and offers the public a glimpse inside the craftsman style home. When Jenny Schoelman spotted the house earlier this year, it was in dire shape. Many who learned of the Scholeman’s purchase told them to simply tear it down and build something new. But they didn’t give up. Since then, she and her husband have gutted the home, added a staircase and converted the attic into a large bedroom. “We basically started all over. We kept the initial look and feel of the house. The original porch is still there, and we added hardwood floors,” said Bobby Schoelman. “We kept the integrity.” The couple is putting the finishing touches on the home this week before they start decorating. “Everybody in town is talking about this house,” he added. “It’s first class, like a brand new house. We’re excited to open it again to everyone.” 402 Atchison Street Seed pearls, sequins, and many other embellishments adorn white felt Christmons that cover Trinity Lutheran Church’s Christmas tree in its sanctuary. The decorations - including crowns, crosses, shamrocks, fish, stars, roses, and doves - depict symbols of Christ, God and the Holy Spirit, said Margie Ashorn. “It’s a religious theme,” she pointed out. “The ladies of the church made them years ago.” There is no admission to the church. 822 North Meyer Street Eleven Christmas trees. Family heirlooms. Franklin Mint brass ornaments. Those are just a few elements sure to please those who stop by Alice and Joe Burtschell’s home on the Holiday Homes Tour. This marks the couple’s 10th year on the tour, and each year gets better, Alice Burtschell said. “We’ve been here every year since it started. I do a lot of Christmas decorating,” she said. A lot indeed. The home will feature 11 Christmas trees, some of which she pointed out will carry a Texas A&M University theme, antique handkerchiefs that are family heirlooms, and another with Franklin Mint brass ornaments passed down from a family member. She and her husband have been decorating since the first of the month. The Burtschells also have an impressive Santa cookie jar collection on display. “I’d say I have around 300 Santa cookie jars,” she said. “The guests don’t come to see my home, that’s for sure. It’s a 1950s home. It’s about the decorations,” she said. “I love Christmas. We’ve always decorated and we enjoy that.” 1783 Peter San Felipe Rd. This home was owned by the Mersmann Family from 1872 until 2006. The original homestead on the farm was built in the 1850s. Many items from the Mersmann family will be on display during the tour. “There is a great deal to learn about local history from this home and family,” Naron said. |
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