Jerome AZ (May 11, 2015) – The Jerome Chamber of Commerce is ready for the most talked about event of the year, The Jerome Historic Home and Building Tour, celebrating its 50th year. The event is May 16th and 17th, 2015. First shuttles leave from Spook Hall at 9:00am and last shuttles leave at 3:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. The tour is not handicapped accessible.
Guests will have the comfort and the shelter of Spook Hall and enjoy entertainment and indoor seats while waiting for the shuttle to begin this wonderful tour. Seven homes plus The Old Jerome High School complete this year’s roster. Tickets can be purchased online at jeromechamber.com or the day of the event at Spook Hall on Hull Avenue. There will be music while guests await the comfortable 12 passenger vans that will take them to each home. Jerome musician Tommy Anderson will be bringing a great lineup of surprises throughout the weekend including a special appearance by The Jerome Ukelele Orchestra.
This event is the longest running home tour in the State of Arizona and is put on with the help of The Jerome Historical Society, The Town of Jerome, The Jerome Fire Department and The Jerome Police Department. Over 2 days, 150 volunteers help with driving, greeting, loading vans, and giving tours of the homes. It is a remarkable tour that is done completely by volunteers year after year.
The Rosie Salas House was built in 1898 and has had a first class renovation using many local artisans to create a truly lovely home with huge views. Jerome Marshall Fred Hawkins was the first owner and although there are no photos of him, there is much history to enjoy. The Paul Nonnast Home is in itself a work of art created by the late Jerome Artist who died in 2005. A student of Paolo Soleri and Arcosanti, Paul designed and lived in a unique stone studio and then built a concrete main home on the mile high cliff of Jerome.
George and Lori Riley are completing a major exterior renovation of their 1990’s home that is perched above 89A. They have added terracing with rock walls, decks and a new studio to make this a remarkable stop on the tour. There will be a glass demonstration in the studio the weekend of the tour. Stories from the old days in Jerome are abundant for this home as many locals have a long history with the property.
The 1914 home of local furniture designer Tim McClellan is on the tour. Situated on the main road into town, this well built cottage is loaded with charm as well as furniture from Tim’s Western Heritage Furniture located right across the street. The home was designed by famous Arizona architect Royal Lescher. The Robinson home is a Victorian charmer with a turret that affords a view of the Jerome town from a very unique perspective. The Mills house will be a walk on the boardwalk and into the Victorian charm of a bygone era and The Carlson House sits perched on the hillside as you leave town on Clark Street. This renovated home once belonged to the chief surgeon Arthur Carlson.
There are lots of steps to almost every home so wear comfortable shoes and plenty of sun block. Sunday is less crowded than Saturday. Tickets will be sold online as well as the day of the event. It is most crowded in the morning so it is recommended to come in early afternoon for the least amount of waiting. Tour director Liz Gale explains that last tickets are sold at 3pm and guests should finish the tour by 5. Vans transport guests to each location where you can stay as long as you like. Get on the next van and proceed with the tour. It will take 2-4 hours to complete the tour depending on how long you spend at each stop. A rest stop will be provided at The Old Jerome High School to use the facilities and take a quick peak at amazing artists who work at this fascinating complex. Stop by after the tour to really take in all the talented group has to offer.
For more information, call The Jerome Chamber at 928.634.2900 and visit jeromechamber.com to buy tickets online.
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