The Scottdale Historical Society Annual Christmas House Tour
The Scottdale Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas House Tour on Saturday, December 7,
2019 from 2-6 p.m. and will feature four homes and a church in and around Scottdale as well as the
Geyer Performing Arts Center and West Overton Museums decorated for the holidays.
The Christmas House Tour will begin at the historic Loucks Homestead, located at 527 North Chestnut
Street. The Federal style Homestead was built in 1835, and was remodeled in the 1880’s popular
Victorian style. The home has maintained many of the original 1830’s architectural details and boasts
many of the 1880’s embellishments. The homestead’s Christmas décor will be presented by Miss
Martha’s Floral designers David Mardis and Becky Halfhill, creating holiday magic. The Society will offer
holiday baskets for raffle and a special gift for tour guests. Festivities at the historic Loucks House
include a display of vintage Christmas trees and ornaments, a holiday village, carolers, organists, cookies
and treats.
Tom Zwierzelewski, President of the Scottdale Historical Society said, “In addition to the Loucks House,
we are excited to have three other Scottdale area homes on the tour this year. These houses have many
great features inside and out.” Homes on the tour include, an 1897 Queen Anne built by E.H. and Clara
M. Parker. This home boasts a two story foyer with exquisite wood trim and casework and the parlor
mantel and stained glass windows are a period treasure. The combined styles of an America
Foursquare and Colonial Revival add to the elegance of this brick home that features a grand staircase,
leaded glass windows, and original millwork. The American Foursquare will also feature 20 trees
decorated throughout the expansive home. A modern day Colonial styled home features formal public
rooms and offers a nod to the past in the keeping room. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church was
dedicated in 1892, and the style of Tudor Revival was used to transform from Victorian, showcasing the
handcrafted designs of the Arts and Crafts movement
Zwierzelewski added, “We are also pleased to have the Geyer Performing Arts Center and West Overton
Village & Museums take part in our Christmas House Tour this year.” The Geyer Performing Arts Center
started in the 1890’s as the Geyer Opera House. The Arts Center started an extensive renovation in the
mid 1980’s and is known for its wonderful stage productions and live events since the transformation.
Period dressed guides will give you the history of this artistic treasure.
At West Overton Village & Museums, guests can step back in time as they tour the historic mansion’s
second floor museum that is decked out in holiday finery and sample wassail, a historic mulled cider,
from over the fire in the summer kitchen. In addition to the house, the WWII Exhibit will be open in the
Distillery Museum. There will be activities like popcorn garland stringing and making “reindeer food.”
As you start the season in Scottdale, enjoy lunch or dinner in town at Wish’s Bar & Grill or Carson’s. You
won’t want to miss all of the festivities for the Winter Light Celebration at the Gazebo Park, located near
the Scottdale Public Library. The Winter Light Celebration is hosted by the Scottdale Chamber of
Commerce.
Tickets for the Christmas House Tour are $15 each and can be purchased online in advance or the day of
the tour at the historic Loucks Homestead. For tickets and more information about the tour please visit
us at scottdalehistoricalsociety.com.
About the Scottdale Historical Society
The Scottdale Historical Society, Inc., incorporated in July 1987 and was reorganized in 2005.
Its mission is to collect, preserve and archive the Scottdale area's rich cultural, industrial and
architectural history for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.
Scottdale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This listing is the first step in preserving our
town, once one of the richest towns in America.
The founding board initiated the Coal and Coke Heritage Festival and purchased the Peter Loucks
Homestead with the proceeds of that festival. It also bought the ground and built the gazebo in
downtown Scottdale.
We will work with the local government and will help formulate preservation ordinances and raise
awareness of the many historically significant properties.
We will pursue the preservation of as many of the community's historic artifacts, stories and properties
as possible.
We will work with area organizations to promote our beautiful town, with its tree-lined streets and
walkable neighborhoods.
Upcoming event, projects, membership and volunteer information is available at
scottdalehistoricalsociety.com
About West Overton Village & Museum
West Overton Village & Museum, the birthplace of Henry Clay Frick, is a pre-Civil War industrial village.
A stop on the American Whiskey Trail, West Overton is located about 45 minutes southeast of
Pittsburgh and 45 minutes north of Morgantown, WV.
For more information, visit westovertonvillage.org or call 724-887-7910.
