THURSDAY, May 20: New Castle Historical Society House Tour,  “Castles of New Castle”

May 14, 2010

The New Castle Historical Society proudly announces its 8th annual “Castles of New Castle” house tour to be held Thursday, May 20. The Historical Society will showcase a variety of beautiful area homes that vary in size, location, style and year of construction. 

“We are delighted to offer this fun and informative event to our longstanding members and first timers who are interested in seeing wonderful examples of the architectural richness of our community,” said Victoria Gutfreund, event co-chair.  “The five homes we selected this year when combined tell a terrific story about the history of New Castle and its residents from the 1800’s to the present,” added Tory Miller, event co-chair.

Tours of the homes will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., followed by a luncheon at Crabtree’s Kittle House on Bedford Road from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.  The fee to attend is $50 for historical society members and $75 for non-members. Included in the $75 admissions price, for first-time members, is a complimentary one-year membership.

This year’s tour features five houses including one originally built in the 1800’s. This historic home, the oldest on the tour, was originally a small story-and-a-half cottage, but later was added to in the Greek revival style.  Two homes on the tour are located in town, both stucco. The one built in 1937 has been updated and enlarged, but maintains its cottage character. The other is a wonderful example of a 1920’s home with many “Arts and Crafts” influences, including a delightful stained-glass-enclosed portico. 

Tour goers will also enjoy an elegantly appointed center hall home that recalls a bygone era.  Classic and traditional, this old-world Colonial was built in 2005 to the highest levels of craftsmanship and detail. On the property sits a guesthouse that dates back to the original home and includes stone remains where the barn once stood. Lastly, an exquisite Adirondack style home overlooking Lake Heaptauqua will surely delight tour-goers with its grand layout and architectural details. 

The New Castle Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization, charted by the Board of Regents of New York State in 1966.  Its mission is to discover, collect, preserve and communicate the history of the Town of New Castle.  Proceeds from the event will support programs and activities of the Society.

For tickets call:  238-4666 – New Castle Historical Society