Combine Antiques Roadshow, This Old House, Rehab Addict and Yard Crashers and what do you get? The Merrill Historical Society 2014 Home Tour! On Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. an intriguing mix of homes built over the last 100 years show vintage to contemporary construction, with adaptations for today’s lifestyles. The five tour homes are joined by the Ministry Good Samaritan Chapel.
Picture the Antiques Roadshow crew presenting the history of a rare item. At the Carol and Dave Finanger home, the owners will be doing just that for their extensive collection of violin and harp memorabilia and family heirlooms – plus they will entertain you with musical performances. Their 1990 single story ranch home with a walkout basement was one of the first homes to be built on Wisconsin River Road.
This Old House showcases a home celebrating 100 years. Located on Cleveland Street, this stately brick home built by Percifal C. Daly (grandfather to actress Tyne Daly) features quarter-sawn oak Craftsman details, beveled glass French doors, and brick fireplaces. Kris and Randy Ullmer, the fifth owners, operated Merrill’s first Bed & Breakfast here for 10 years.
The timeless Craftsman style was chosen by Kathy and Chris Graham as they fulfilled their dream of building a home in 2008. Everything has been located on the main floor without any steps. Larger doorways, walk-in shower, and raised dishwasher are some of the conveniences Kathy – who is a nurse – chose, anticipating needs as they retire and older together in this home.
Rehab Addict travels a few miles west of Merrill to Leafy Grove Road. The two-foot thick granite outer walls of the original farmhouse tell a story of large rocks lifted in place using only poles, ropes, pulleys and man and horse power. Jane and Len Francoeur undertook an extensive multi-year remodel in 1992 beginning with the total removal of the upper half of the house which was replaced by a full second story and the addition of a central cupola.
While it looks like the Yard Crashers crew visited Dick & Gay Baumgart on Riverside Avenue, Gay’s 60-year-old peonies originally belonged to her grandfather, as did the 40-year-old grapevines. A stroll through a wild garden, pond and numerous perennial gardens leads to the cedar-clad contemporary home, built by the Baumgarts and their son over nine months of weekends. The modified cottage plan features an open-concept living/dining room with a ceiling that angles up from 10 to 23 feet and a 15-foot fireplace wall.
The final destination on the tour is the Chapel on South Center Avenue. Dedicated in 1937, careful craftsmanship went into the granite walls, the beautiful stained glass and the handmade sacramentals. The Chapel was refurbished in 2013. Organists will play the 1940 Wicks organ during the tour.
Tour tickets are $10 in advance at the Merrill Historical Society and $12 on the day of the tour at any of the homes.
The Merrill Historical Society’s mission is to educate the public about our heritage using the unique historical and cultural resources we collect and preserve. For further information on the programs and activities of the Merrill Historical Society, or to become a member, please contact the Society at 715-536-5652 or [email protected], or see the website at www.merrillhistory.org.