House Tour very successful in Staunton
by Bill Napper
STAUNTON - The First Annual Historic House Tour was conducted here Sunday afternoon by Staunton Main Street U.S.A. More than 130 people took advantage of the perfect weather to visit five homes whose owners graciously welcomed strangers and friends into their homes. The

These homeowners are helping to preserve the history of Staunton by preserving the memories that these homes hold.

first home on the tour was the Buchterkirchen home which was built in 1904. It is currently the rectory of St. Michael Catholic Church and home of Rev. George Radosevich. The home was beautifully decorated. It has a very unique Christmas tree. The tree was decorated

Janet Sminchak trims the Christmas tree at Father George Radosevich’s home. Rev. Leslie and Yvonne Mitkos stand on the staircase in their home.

by Janet Sminchak. Father George showed people throughout the home. One item of interest was a small writing desk that was used by the monks hundreds of years ago. The second house was the Fischer Home. It is currently owned by Kathryn and T.L. Young. It was built in 1887 for Dr. David Bley. Shortly after it was built, it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fischer. Except for a short period, it has been in the family since that time. The home features beautiful woodwork, pocket doors and a beautiful staircase. The Youngs have done all of the restoration work themselves and continue to work on the home. The next was the Franz Home. It is currently owned by Jim and Rose Mary Schultze. It was built around the turn of the 20th Century and features beautiful rooms that are nicely decorated. One room downstairs features a library that is very inviting and cozy. Jim was busy showing the home to those who were taking the tour. Next was the Cornelius Wall home. It is located at 603 W. Pearl Street. It was built by James Cornelius and Marie Wall in 1940 and is presently owned by Mike and Marianne Johnson. The home is a wonderful home. It has a beautiful living room and fireplace. The entry way is inviting and cozy. Finally the last home on the tour was the Kapilla house. It was built prior to 1912 and is currently owned by Rev. Leslie and Yvonne Mitkos. The home features a beautiful kitchen and living room. It also has

Kathryn, Abigail and T. L. Young greeted guests in their home. The home was built in 1887 for Dr. David Bley. Shortly after it was built, it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fischer. Except for a short period, it has been in the family since that time.	Loretta Kulash and Cindy Leonard chat at the home of Mike and Marianne Johnson. It was built by James Cornelius and Marie Wall in 1940
	Jim and Rose Mary Schultze are the proud owners of a home that was built around the turn of the 20th Century. It features a library that is very inviting and cozy.

a fantastic staircase that is located between the kitchen and the living room. Main Street officials thanked each of the homeowners who allowed their homes to be part of the tour. These homeowners are helping to preserve the history of Staunton by preserving the memories that these homes hold. Many volunteers helped make the house tour such a success. In each of the homes, a drawing was placed. These pen and ink drawings were made by Jim Makula who is a member of the Design Committee. A reception was held at Cisler Real Estate where refreshments were served and people gathered to talk about the tour and the homes.