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2009 Summer Walking Tour Series
The Springfield Preservation Alliance is celebrating Springfield's
distinct architecture and history with our sixth annual Summer Walking Tour
Series. History, design, and local professionals guide each tour, which last
one and a half to two hours. Tickets are
$8 General/$5 Members/$3
Youth.
Not a member,
join today and save on your tickets!
Historic East High: Bushnell Era
• Saturday, June 27 at 10 am
With the
success of the Champion Reaper in the late 19th century, Springfield led the
nation in the production of farm machinery. These industrialists’ vast and
often newly acquired wealth manifested in opulent mansions along East High
Street. Tour with us through this open museum of architecture and enterprise
and discover the rich histories of Governor Bushnell, famed publisher W.W.
Norton, and more. Meet outside 641 East High Street. Presented by John and
Ann Field. Rain date Sunday, June 28 at 1 pm.
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Downtown as a Work of Art
• Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm
At the
end of the 19th century, local leaders understood that great architecture
was part of their civic duty. With downtown as their canvas, architects
painted a streetscape that exemplified Springfield’s past achievements and
future aspirations, including Warder Library (1890) and Bushnell Building
(1893). Tour through Springfield’s Golden Age of architecture. Meet in the
Esplanade at the corner of High and Fountain. Presented by Teresa Demana.
Rain date Wednesday, July 15 at 6 pm.
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Downtown Modern
•
Saturday,
July 11 at 10 am
In the
1960s and 1970s, a new vision for a vibrant downtown materialized through a
series of structures that remain today as an enduring imprint of the modern
era in Springfield. Join us as we examine the buildings that redefined the
downtown experience, from the elegant minimalism of SOM’s Credit Life Tower
to the sleek expressionism of Shaw and Metz’s Key Bank Building. Meet
outside 1 South Limestone Street. Presented by Alan Ladd and Jake
Studebaker. Rain date Sunday, July 12 at 1 pm.
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Historic East
High: Westcott Era
• Saturday, July 18 at 10 am
Building on
Springfield’s 19th century industrial success, a new generation of
entrepreneurs refocused and reinvigorated the local economy well into the
20th century, making this community an exciting and vibrant place to live.
Hear the stories of the people whose spirit of innovation and civic
responsibility contributed to Springfield’s growth and national prestige.
Meet outside the Greek Orthodox Church at 1127 East High Street. Presented
by John and Suzanne Turner.
Rain date Sunday, July 19 at 1 pm.
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Beat the Block
•
Wednesday, July 22 at 6 pm
In the
1940s and 1950s, locals “Beat the Block”, shopping their way around the
downtown core. Join us to see the architectural treasures that remain,
including the former Wren’s Department Store, Myers Daily Market, and
historic State Theatre, and reminisce about those that were tragically lost.
Meet outside the Heritage Center’s east entrance, 117 South Fountain Avenue.
Presented by Ski and Cheryl Schanher. Rain date Wednesday, July 29 at 6
pm.
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Ferncliff Cemetery
•
Saturday, July 25 at 10 am
Ferncliff
Cemetery, covering over 240 acres of rolling hills and pastoral landscape,
was platted during the Civil War as Springfield’s new burial ground. Join us
to hear the stories of the men and women who built Springfield and discover
its history preserved in stone. Meet at the Ferncliff Cemetery Chapel at 501
West McCreight Avenue. Presented by Charles Swaney. Rain date Sunday,
July 26 at 1 pm.
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South
Fountain Historic District
•
Wednesday, August 5 at 6 pm
Prominent Americans like Oliver S. Kelly, William N. Whitely, and Harry S.
Kissell are just part of South Fountain’s storied past. With their success,
and that of their neighbors, South Fountain came to be recognized as a
premier neighborhood for Springfield’s affluent class. Experience the
renaissance of this National Register Historic District. Meet outside First
Baptist Church at 638 South Fountain Avenue. Presented by the Rose and
Smiddy Families. Rain date Wednesday August 12 at 6 pm.
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Snyder Park
• Saturday,
August 8 at 10 am
Amidst the
expansion of industry and population in the late nineteenth century, many
citizens throughout Springfield resided in congested and cramped living
conditions. John and David Snyder responded by providing land for the city
to develop a park with scenic vistas and pastoral charm. Join us as we
explore how Snyder Park served as an enclave for recreation and reform. Meet
at the Boat House on Broadway Lake. Presented by Glenn and Ann Collier.
Rain date Sunday, August 9 at 1 pm.
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Restore
Springfield Workshops
Want to take the mystery out of your old house or
building? Interested in learning more about preservation and
restoration? Join us for hands-on workshops led by restoration and history
professionals at one of our Restore Springfield Workshops. Workshops are
free for members. Stay tuned for more information. |
Group Tours and Bus Tours
In addition to our
Summer Walking Tour Series, the Springfield Preservation Alliance offers
walking tours for groups by special appointment. Tours cost $10 per person,
with a $100 minimum. Three week advanced registration is recommended. Most
tours offered throughout the summer are available by special appointment,
including the East High Street Historic District, Ferncliff Cemetery,
College Hill Historic District, and Downtown as a Work of Art. Please contact us for specific
availability.
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Membership
Become a vital part of the movement to preserve our architectural
heritage.
Join today!
Endowment Fund
Help support Springfield's preservation movement by donating to the new
Champion City Endowment Fund.
Learn more. |
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