With help from Mother Nature – and some 20-plus committee members, more than 150 docents, almost 50 sponsors and welcoming homeowners – the tour raised more than $41,000 for neighborhood coffers. Funds support beautification, communications (website, newsletters, etc.), historic preservation, infrastructure, deed restrictions and other activities overseen by the WHCA all-volunteer board.
The tour kicked off Friday, March 27, with the popular happy hour preview. Close to 200 got sneak peaks at the tour homes, enjoying wine and cheese at each stop. Saturday and Sunday crowds strolled the neighborhood. While many participants were Heights-area residents, others came from all corners of Houston and beyond.
The former Masonic Lodge, now a law office, was a magnet for curious residents who had tracked its status over the years. The original William Wilson home was a magnet for history buffs, including the great-great-great grandson of Wilson himself.
The 1923 Woodland Heights Baptist Church turned condos delighted tour goers with its historic features while the other original homes spanned architectural and interior décor styles.
”We couldn’t have pulled this off with the many wonderful volunteers,” said Louise Moss, home tour co-chair. “It’s a privilege to show off our ‘hometown near downtown’ to so many interested visitors.”
The home tour was the brainchild of realtors and neighbors Dawn and Bob Shumway back in 1980s. Over the years it has introduced new people to the charm of our community, brought neighbors together, raised much-need funds and helped preserve our history.