Fort to have 16th annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^

[SandRat]

On Dec. 3, the residents of 14 historic military quarters on Fort Huachuca will open their doors to curious visitors for the annual home tour. Everyone is invited to come celebrate the holiday season as the historic homes are decked with holiday finery.

For the past 16 years, the fort has marked the beginning of the holiday season with the Holiday Tour of Historic Homes. The Fort Huachuca Old Post area, a National Historic Landmark, will be lit by the soft glow of luminaries as the public is given a rare glimpse at the interior of these homes. Annually, the tour has indulged hundreds of visitors who have enjoyed the opportunity to view not only elegant holiday decorations, but also the unique items that the residents have collected from all over the world, said tour chairwoman Amy Mangelsdorf.

The tour is sponsored by the Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club. All proceeds from this event go back into the community through scholarships and disbursements. Tour hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Advance tickets cost $8 and may be purchased on post at the Fort Huachuca Museum, the Post Thrift Shop, Murr Community Center. In Sierra Vista, you can purchase tickets at the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and at Safeway. Additionally, you can purchase tickets from any Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club board member. Tickets will also be on sale the day of the tour for $9. The houses on the tour remain as they were decades ago. The foundations for these historic houses were laid in 1883, after Gen. William T. Sherman approved the construction of a permanent facility. Each of the homes featured is named after an important individual who was instrumental in the development and planning of Fort Huachuca and the Army.

In addition to the homes tour, there will be a festive atmosphere all around the area as musicians fill the air with tunes and carols. During the event, you can take a break and enjoy refreshments of hot-spiced cider, hot chocolate, and baked goods as the joy of the holidays and the beauty of the scenery delights the soul. You will also have the opportunity to do some shopping. There will be items available to purchase such as Polish pottery, ornaments, baskets, jewelry and other post memorabilia. To add to the ambiance, B Troop soldiers outfitted in period dress will be posted at the entrance of every house on the tour. The fort’s historic museum and gift shop will also be open.

For safety purposes, carriages and strollers are not permitted; children younger than 10 years old must be carried in parents arms. Homes on the tour are not wheelchair-accessible. The Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club will provide assistance whenever possible or necessary.

Golf carts will be available to transport persons who are unable to walk the distance of the tour. No backpacks, cameras or video equipment will be allowed inside the houses.

For information about the Holiday Tour of Homes, call 459-2686.