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| Nutcracker rehearsal |
We began our tour at the North Carolina Dance Theatre where the students were rehearsing for The Nutcracker Ballet, an annual event for the school.
Then on to pick up our tickets by way of a carriage ride starting at the Seventh Street Public Market where musicians were playing seasonal music, and cider, cookies, wine and cheese were being served.
Our next stop on the tour was Alexander Michaels, Fourth Wards historical restaurant and bar serving great food and beverages. After soup and salad we were on our way to our first home.
Needless to say the homes were decorated with breathtaking artistry and the lights, caroling and music filled the narrow streets with street lamps glowing. It was truly magical.
Fourth Ward has been preserved in the greatest of traditions boasting its life of days gone by when coal heated the houses and the milk man left his bottles of milk on the front porch. I still remember the coal trucks coming after dark in the winter time rolling slowly down the street and the voice of a small child hanging from the side of the truck calling out “hey coal.” The kids came running from the houses with their empty buckets and their nickels to purchase a bucket of coal for the night. The mist would hang heavy in the street lamps and the smell of dinner still lingered in the air.
The Jenkins/Lancaster Residence transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a tree in almost every room. Each tree had its own theme. My favorite? The Top Hat Tree.
And of course the rooftop terrace is amazing for social gatherings, a garden oasis in the heart of the Center City.
The restored Dittloff Residence, dating back to the 1800s, is a modern day version of the original and done quite beautifully. The Dittloffs directed the renovation and have truly preserved the integrity of the home. Mrs. Dittloff, artist extraordinaire, has her art work displayed throughout the home for an added pleasure.
The McNinch House Restaurant 1891.
The upstairs, open for the first time, is the private residence of owner Ellen Davis. The wife of the mayor of Charlotte who built the home, Mattie McNinch, had her private room looking down on the street where she spent her quiet time. The room is known as “Mattie’s room.”
We ran into friends spending their 12-year wedding anniversary celebrating their life together while on the tour. So romantic.
See you in December. A wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.
Happy New Year to All.
Our thanks to Beth Spears for inviting us on the tour.
For more information on the Friends of the Fourth Ward and its two annual home and garden tours, visit fofw.org
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| Young performers at 7th St. Market |
Our next stop on the tour was Alexander Michaels, Fourth Wards historical restaurant and bar serving great food and beverages. After soup and salad we were on our way to our first home.
Needless to say the homes were decorated with breathtaking artistry and the lights, caroling and music filled the narrow streets with street lamps glowing. It was truly magical.
Fourth Ward has been preserved in the greatest of traditions boasting its life of days gone by when coal heated the houses and the milk man left his bottles of milk on the front porch. I still remember the coal trucks coming after dark in the winter time rolling slowly down the street and the voice of a small child hanging from the side of the truck calling out “hey coal.” The kids came running from the houses with their empty buckets and their nickels to purchase a bucket of coal for the night. The mist would hang heavy in the street lamps and the smell of dinner still lingered in the air.
The Jenkins/Lancaster Residence transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a tree in almost every room. Each tree had its own theme. My favorite? The Top Hat Tree.
The Mink Santa standing about three feet tall was adorned in mink and jewels inherited from the owner’s mother and honoring her memory and her love of Christmas. What a great way to say, I love you Mom.
And of course the rooftop terrace is amazing for social gatherings, a garden oasis in the heart of the Center City.
The restored Dittloff Residence, dating back to the 1800s, is a modern day version of the original and done quite beautifully. The Dittloffs directed the renovation and have truly preserved the integrity of the home. Mrs. Dittloff, artist extraordinaire, has her art work displayed throughout the home for an added pleasure.
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Oh my there is so much to say about this genteel Southern home. The photos don’t do it justice. The downstairs was decorated complete with all the trimmings you would have seen in the 1800s if you were dining at Christmas time in the McNinch home.
We have not had the pleasure of having a meal there but it is truly on our list of very special things to do.
We have not had the pleasure of having a meal there but it is truly on our list of very special things to do.
The upstairs, open for the first time, is the private residence of owner Ellen Davis. The wife of the mayor of Charlotte who built the home, Mattie McNinch, had her private room looking down on the street where she spent her quiet time. The room is known as “Mattie’s room.”
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| Mattie's Room
The front parlor, master bedroom and the enchanting bathroom are decorated in the finest fabrics and accessories, with purple used throughout, Mattie’s favorite color.
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| One of the condominiums on the tour |
With four beautifully restored Victorian homes, two townhomes and two condominiums to tour, the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour was a wonderful 4 or 5 hours of time spent in another era.
Refreshments were served at several of the homes and complimentary carriage rides around the Fourth Ward neighborhood were offered.
Refreshments were served at several of the homes and complimentary carriage rides around the Fourth Ward neighborhood were offered.
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| Lisa and Joe celebrating 12 years |
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| Chandelier at McNinch |
Happy New Year to All.
Our thanks to Beth Spears for inviting us on the tour.
For more information on the Friends of the Fourth Ward and its two annual home and garden tours, visit fofw.org
