WEATHERFORD – This year’s 28th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes invites visitors to visit seven different locations Saturday, December 12 from 1 until 9 p.m.

“A variety of homes will be on tour this year, along with Chandor Gardens. The garden is worth the price of a ticket alone because of the rich history it holds,” said Melissa Moorman, co-chair of the event. “It’s such fun to see inside these remarkable places and hear about the rich history of our city and it’s a great way to take a break from shopping and spend some time with friends or family.”

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com.

“It’s really an opportunity to see different time periods, different architecture and different styles and sizes of homes and buildings. You can learn a little about the people who built Weatherford, and see inside the homes where they lived and raised their families. There will be something for all to enjoy on this year’s tour,” said Courtney McKeown, tour co chair.

Color photos and descriptions of each location can be seen on the Heritage Society’s website. Tour sponsors are The Bank of Weatherford, Bennett’s Brazos Printing, First National Bank of Weatherford, Plains Capital Bank and The Rose Garden Cottage B&B.;

“This is our 28th Annual Tour and it’s a great opportunity to see inside some beautiful homes. And with the funds the Parker County Heritage Society can continue doing its good works preserving our rich history,” said Kathleen Baker, President of the Parker County Heritage Society.



This year’s tour venues include:



Chandor Garden & Home – 711 West Lee Avenue

The estate and gardens are the brilliant vision of famed portrait artist Douglas Chandor whose passion for art and beauty are expressed in the garden’s ingenious layout, rich with water features, intricate stonework, timeless sculpture, and delightful surprises around every corner. Docent-led tours of the gardens will end at 5 p.m. The house will be open for touring until 9 p.m.



Doss Heritage and Culture Center - 1400 Texas Drive

Parker County’s rich tapestry of cattle barons and cowboys, Broadway stars and political leaders is beginning to be shared and showcased in spacious state-of-the-art exhibit spaces. Stop in to see the newest exhibits - Honoring VA Littleton in a Solo Art Exhibit, and enjoy her exquisitely detailed images of buildings and Weatherford landmarks and Woodcrafters; a celebration of handmade wooden objects from spoons to furniture. Other exhibits include artifacts and information about Weatherford native Mary Martin, and learn about our earliest inhabitants and pioneer settlers in the historical gallery.

The Doss Heritage and Culture Center will be selling tickets throughout the day and does accept credit cards.



The Rose Garden Cottage B&B; – 212 East Lee Avenue

The Rose Garden Cottage Bed & Breakfast was originally part of a five acre tract of land purchased in 1869 for $150. Z.B. Mays then purchased the five acres and built the bungalow-style home in 1922. After three more owners, Vera Ragle, a school and music teacher, purchased the home in 1947 and lived there until 1981 when she passed away. It is currently a private getaway featuring a cozy cottage furnished in antiques with two bedrooms, two full baths, and a complete kitchen.



The Cherry/Cerbones’ Home – 504 West Lee Avenue

Joseph Pomeroy Booles and his wife, Florence Nightingale Booles were the first owners of the property after the creation of McCalls subdivision. The hardwood floors, wood work and leaded glass windows are all original to the house.



The Brannan/McKeown’s Home – 113 Soward Street

This two-story Queen Anne style home was built in 1903 by Colonel and Mrs. G. M. Bowie for their daughter Edith and her husband James A. Brannan. The exterior of the home features a wooden wrap-around porch with Victorian gingerbread trim. Some of the many original interior features are a hand carved staircase, three uniquely designed fireplace mantels with beveled mirrors, copper doorknobs, oak interior woodwork, pocket doors, and hardwood floors.



The Milmo House – 202 Davis Street

Built in 1920, this single family prairie-style two story house sits on two city lots near Cherry Park. With original oak and pine floors, leaded glass doors, mirrors and many light fixtures, this house is a good example of the period style. The home will feature seven traditional Christmas trees.



St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Chapel - 211 South Main Street

In 1902 the present red brick church and a frame rectory was built. In 1902, the grapes and vine decoration on the upper walls was added to the church interior. St. Stephen Parishioners worked together this year to restore the Chapel to its 1910 glory.



The Pythian Home of Texas - 1825 E. Bankhead Drive

Built in 1907 in the style of a French castle, this unique structure was constructed by the knights of a Pythias, a fraternal organization espousing friendship, charity, and benevolence. The Home began as a residence for orphans and windows, housing gardens, a dairy, orchard, and livestock on its 110 acre lot. THIS TOUR LOCATION IS EXTERIOR ONLY - ENJOY THE LIGHTS IN CELEBRATION OF THE PYTHIAN HOME’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY