Tickets for the 2019 Candlelight Tour of Homes went on sale this week with a 10% discount being offered through December 1. They can be purchased online here.
The tour, in it’s 37th year and presented by the Historic Jefferson Foundation, features four homes for individuals to tour in the evenings on the first two weekends in December. This year, the dates are December 5, 6, and 7, and December 12, 13, and 14.
This years homes include:
- Claiborne House (312 S. Alley St.): The home’s namesake, Captain V. H. Claiborne, the youngest of ten children, was orphaned at an early age and raised by his brothers. Finding success against these odds, his early adventures included heading to California for the “gold rush,” serving as a Confederate soldier, and building a large packing plant while stationed in Jefferson to supply beef and bacon to the troops. Deciding to build a life in Jefferson after the Civil War, Claiborne married the daughter of a prosperous businessman and early pioneer to the area. In 1871, he moved his family into this lovely modified Greek Revival home. Its design features crystal chandeliers, original hand-crafted molding, heart-of-pine floors, and original four-panel doors. Current owners, Jerry and Ann LeBlanc, moved from New Orleans to enjoy Jefferson’s charm and nostalgia.
- Mason-Denton Home (702 E. Delta St.): In 1852, this sprawling Free Classic Victorian home, with its wide wrap-around porch, originated as a small Greek Revival cottage. Not content with its location, in 1916, Judge William Mason had the home pulled by oxen to its current site. Over the years, many additions and improvements enlarged the home—often providing families with room rental income. In 1923, James Denton, a drug store proprietor, arrived with his family from Indiana and bought the home for $2500. The residence remains in the family today. Jan and Jim Gensler own and live in the property–enjoying many fond memories of the past.
- Old Mulberry Inn (209 E. Jefferson St.): Louisiana plantations from the 1850’s inspired the Neoclassical architecture of the Old Mulberry Inn. Located on “Quality Hill,” as the area was originally known, the 14-room, 7-bath main house features heart-of-pine floors, porch-steps on every side, and a spacious veranda overlooking a wide lawn. Two adjacent cottages, circa 1860, expand the overnight accommodations. A cupola (also known as the lantern) rises thirty feet above the home, above the great hall. An artist-rendered sky scene caps the lantern. This filters light into the center of the home during the day and radiates a soft glow at night. The property brings to life Alexander Smith’s famous quote, “Trees are your best antiques.” The acreage has towering pecan trees, massive Bois D’Arcs, and of course, the ancient mulberry for which the homestead is named. This venerable tree is more than 200-hundred-years old and is currently being verified as possibly the oldest of its kind in Texas. Innkeepers, Glen and Lana Manchester, have been delighted to see their property featured in The New York Times, Southern Living, the L.A.Times Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and the travel sections of other major Texas newspapers.
- Turner Cottage (210 E. Henderson St.): Built in the 1880’s, the Turner Cottage features charming Folk Victorian detailing including both Queen Anne and Gothic Revival inspirations with turned spindle porch supports, jigsaw corner brackets, and porch railings with turned spindles. This house is an unusual example of a gable front and wing style Folk Victorian residence having a front gable attached to a pyramidal form rather than a side-gabled wing. Surprisingly, the home was originally built as a commercial feed store! Later, due to its location next to the Wright Russell Cotton Compress, the store was converted into the manager’s residence. The current owner, Pamela Rapier continues renovations to add modern comforts while retaining the charming and quaint cottage style. In keeping with the history of this residence, Rapier also runs a successful home-based business.
Tickets include access to all tour homes and can be used for any date.
Tickets are NOT refundable under any circumstances. This event is a fundraiser for Historic Jefferson Foundation, a charitable organization.
Tickets are Mailed Until Nov. 27, Then Pick Up Ticket at Will Call
Tickets will be mailed to you until November 27, 2019. After November 27, tickets purchased online will be held for you at Candlelight Headquarters-Will Call at 116 W. Austin St. in Jefferson
Purchase Tickets at Event
Tickets may be purchased during the Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes event at these locations:
- Candlelight Headquarters
Thursday 1-6pm, and Friday and Saturday 1-8p
Murphy Building
116 W. Austin Street - The Excelsior House Hotel (211 W. Austin Street)
Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday – 11 am – 4 pm
- Marion County Chamber of Commerce (115 N. Polk Street)
Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday – 11 am – 4 pm
Tickets sold at the homes are cash only.
Group discounts for 15 or more people: Your organization or group can enjoy a discounted rate of $20 per ticket if you buy 15 tickets or more! For information about group purchases, call 903.665.7064.
More details can be found at the Historic Jefferson Foundation website.