NEWBERRY — Now that it is December, it is once again time for the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. This year’s tour will feature three homes, a church and a Wine and Cheese Social.

“We have been doing this for six years, we took it over because it had not been done for a year or two,” said Liz MacDonald, Chamber administrator. “We pick out the homes a year in advance, so we are working on the ones for 2018 now.”

Everything featured on the tour is close to Downtown Newberry, 1217 Walnut Street (The Favors), 1806 Harper Street (The Cromers), 2118 Springdale Drive (The Kopps), 1005 College Street (Central United Methodist Church). A new addition to the tour is the Wine and Cheese Social, which will take place at Uptown Pour, 1110 Main Street.

Typically the tour includes four homes, but this year it was cut back to three due to the size of the Favors’ house, also known as the DeWalt House.

“The Favors were on the tour for the first year, in 2012. This year, they are going to have their upstairs open also, which no one has been in. All of the rooms are dedicated to a certain era in history, 1830’s to present,” MacDonald said. “It is going to take an hour to go through their home.”

The DeWalt House

The DeWalt House was originally built as a one and one-half story Colonial in 1832 by Daniel DeWalt Jr. on a large parcel of land facing Main Street. In 1906 it was remodeled in the Greek Revival Style with the addition of a large portico and Corinthian columns. In 1984 the home was damaged by a tornado, and in 1996 the entire structure was turned 90 degrees to face Walnut Street. Since then the home has undergone renovations and restorations.

Not only will the home be decorated with Christmas decor featuring a different era in history, but there will be a Civil War “Christmas Camp” on the front lawn.

The Cromer House

Built in the 1920’s the Cromer home features the American Craftsman Style. The Bungalow was refurbished this year by the current owners of 40 years. The home features a transitional decor while maintaining the integrity of the period. High ceilings, fireplaces, molding and original heart pine floors create a comfortable and inviting ambience. A porte cochere with wraparound veranda and a sitting area compliment the front exterior, while a pergola and pool are featured in the back.

The Kopp House

The home was custom built in 1964 during the height of the Mid-Century design influence of architecture. The home features common rooms for social events and parties. A large flagstone patio, the sun room and extensive yard reflect the original owners love of the outside. The Kopps are only the second owners of the house. They are working to bring the home back to life for 21st century living, while honoring the original charm of the Mid-Century design influences.

Central United Methodist Church

Though designed by a Tennessee architect named Hunt, the construction of this 1901 church was handled by the noted C.C. Davis of Newberry. Built of white brick with stone trim, the stilted arches of its tower mark the building as an example of the Romanesque style. The windows reflect the master craftsmanship of the Von Gerichten brothers. These German immigrants used a process of painting on glass that is rare. Their skill in this area is evident in the faith inspiring beauty of Central’s windows.

The tour will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4-8 p.m., with the Wine and Cheese Social at Uptown Pour from 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or The Newberry Opera House. Tickets can be purchased up to Friday at the Chamber and until 4 p.m. the day of at The Opera House. Your ticket not only gives you entry into the Wine and Cheese Social, but also gives you a ticket for a glass of wine.

“We are excited about doing the Christmas Tour of Homes again this year, and hopefully the residents of Newberry, and our visitors, will enjoy it,” MacDonald said. “We have had a huge interest in this one, we have already sold tickets to people in Virginia.”

The DeWalt House was featured on the first Chamber Christmas Tour of Homes in 2012. It will be featured once again in 2017.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_DSC_0740-1-.jpgThe DeWalt House was featured on the first Chamber Christmas Tour of Homes in 2012. It will be featured once again in 2017. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.