Nice crowds and a beautiful day greets the Victorian Home Tour in Batavia

It was a picture perfect day for the inaugural Victorian Home Tour in Batavia on Sunday, May 17. A very nice turnout by attendees got to view nine historic beauties inside and out. Proceeds from the event went to the care and maintenance of the Historic Batavia Cemetery.

By mid-afternoon, Ellicott Avenue was buzzing with activity as dozens of people strolled from house to house. Ellicott Avenue featured five locations, with the additional four homes within a half-mile. 

After picking up maps at Batavia Cemetery, visitors were free to go seek out the nine houses. At each location, you were welcomed by a helpful volunteer. In most of the residences, the cheerful owners were on hand greeting guests and answering questions. Each home was so different than the next; with amazing details, unique features and craftsmanship you barely see these days. An interesting perspective was viewing how some of the old houses are adapted to fit modern needs. A very nice touch was viewing historical items pertaining to the homes, including items found inside the house or information about the previous owners.

It was a wonderful, classy event, which we hope will return in 2016. It was an excellent showcase of life and living in Batavia.