Marietta, PA Candlelight Tour of Homes

On Sunday, December 2, 2007, the 42nd Annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes took place. All week the Borough of Marietta held its breath for the weather report, which had for the previous four or five days been predicting a wintry mix of snow, sleet, ice and and rain.

The advance purchase tickets were probably not affected too much, but the on-site day of sale tickets definitely were down due to the dreary start of the day's weather.  As it  turned out, the temperature stayed just above freezing all day, so the on-and-off precipation was all rain - which failed to dampen the spirits of those who came out to appreciate the history and architecture of Marietta!

 At the Pioneer Fire Company, an antiques show was held.  Refreshments were also available.  The English Presbyterian Church held a Victorian Tea.  At the Marietta Community House, a craft show was held.  The Vesta Furnace Office Building, slated to be turned into a museum, was open to the public.  Saint John's Episcopal Church had hot lunches available.  Welcome in the cold, damp weather was excellent chicken corn chowder and a delicious pulled pork barbecue!

The Union Meeting House, built in 1818 and restored in the 1980s, had a table decorating display, including tables with themes of santas, foxes, tea for two, and children's dolls.  The Marietta Town Hall, now a museum, was on display with antique Fire Department equipment and Civil War relics.  The original town jail can also be seen under the Town Hall.

Eight private homes were open for display this year, including the original David Cook house, built circa 1760 at the top of what is now Bank Street.  Filled with period 18th century furniture, this was one of the high points of the tour.  The White Swan Tavern on Front Street, now a private home, was on display, as was the Victorian mansion built by Byrd Cassel, the grandson of lumber magnate Henry Cassel.  Buses were available to transport visitors from one location to another.

The Annual Marietta Cantlelight Tour is sponsored by the Marietta Restoration Association, formed in the 1960s to restore and preserve the architectural and historical heritage of Marietta.  The tour is held every year on the first Sunday of December.

Copyright2007BrianSchulman©