Mineola Landmark Commission annual holiday tour of homes Sunday, Dec. 8
The Mineola Landmark Commission and Junior Historians will be hosting its “Christmas Past and Present Home Tour” on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-5 p.m. Refreshments will be served at each location, and door prizes will be awarded.
Tickets are $20 and available the day of the tour at each site. They can also be purchased in advance at city hall or from any Landmark Commission member. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Iron Horse Square and other Landmark and Junior Historian projects.
Four sites will be on the tour this year. One home representing the past will be the Scott and Nancy McDonald home at 401 E. Kilpatrick. It is Tudor Revival style of medium historical priority built around 1935 by Carl (C.W.) Little for Cora Elizabeth Wheeler Dyer, who was the manager of the box factory in Mineola.
It was then owned for a long time by the well-known Chaney family and later by various others. The McDonalds purchased it in 2012, finding the estate in disrepair. They saw the beauty and potential of what the home could become and began a 12-year period of renovations.
They tackled structural issues as well as cosmetic and décor improvements inside and out, doing much of the work themselves. They have included many elements such as a renovated fireplace as a beautiful focal point of the main room, a cathedral ceiling, beautiful archways, craftsman-style bookcases, an expanded kitchen, a headboard made from a church doorway from Scotland, a ceiling made of lumber from the Lone Pine School, a murphy bed and many other interesting touches throughout.
A slide presentation will be showing in the main room documenting what the home looked like before and during renovations. They have done a remarkable job revitalizing this home into a beautiful, comfortable and functional abode. They also take great pride in the outdoor area, recently earning ‘yard of the month.’
The second home representing the past is owned by Larry and Sue Wisdom at 512 Sycamore which was built in 1892 by Lorenzo Dow Calloway Jr. It is a Queen Anne T-style home of high historical significance and is the oldest standing house in Mineola. What is now the master bedroom once provided rent-free housing for teachers, and the home served as a nursing home in the 1950s. The Gowan family renovated the home in the 1980s adding a 3-car garage, and the Wisdoms have since turned one of the garage spaces into a beautiful bedroom suite.
The Wisdoms have embraced the beauty and history of this home and embody the spirit of Christmas with nostalgic decorations that will take tour visitors back in time. They have collected even more decorations than viewers have seen in the past as they are always looking to add new elements to their Christmas décor. Over the years they have incorporated beautiful selections of furniture, china, paintings and other collectibles.
In addition to viewing the inside of the home, this year the Wisdoms have decorated their outdoor garden and pool area that they are calling “Finnland” after their precious young grandson, Finn. It will be a marvelous winter wonderland to explore.
Representing the present is the home of Brandon and Xan Roberts at 2311 CR 2720. In 2023, the Roberts family realized their dream of building a stunning craftsman-style home, meticulously created to blend with its breathtaking surroundings.
Nestled on a sprawling 20-acre lot, they dedicated significant time to find the ideal placement for their new abode, ensuring it harmonized with the natural landscape. The home features traditional architectural elements such as exposed beams and a welcoming front porch, all while offering modern amenities that enhance comfort and style. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the environment, the Roberts’ home stands as a testament to thoughtful design and a love for nature.
The fourth site on the tour representing the past and the present is the new Mineola Country Club building which pays tribute to the Country Club project that Harry Meredith and Dr. T. B. Reed began working on in 1925. In the late 1920s, those interested in the project purchased the 83-acre Jennings family home place and dairy farm. The old home served as the first club house, and a pool was built in 1934. The date given for the incorporation of the Mineola Country Club is Jan. 16, 1932.
In 1940, the board decided to borrow money to build a clubhouse. Ironically, Cora Elizabeth Wheeler Dyer, the original owner of the McDonalds’ home which is on this year’s tour, was one of the persons, among others, that loaned money for the new clubhouse, and W. C. Little, builder of Mrs. Dyers’ home, was awarded the contract for a complete turn key job for the new clubhouse for $3,400. Peck Collins raised another $100 to add the fireplace, and a pool was added in 1957.
Sadly, that iconic, well-loved clubhouse burned on Aug. 21, 2023, but the Mineola Country Club board began making plans immediately to keep the club going and keep the course available for golf.
By Feb. 5, forms were being set on the previous location in preparation for the new clubhouse built by Michael Cain and CLM Construction with the grand opening Oct. 25. It includes a wonderful bar area and lounge, pro shop, golf simulator, beautiful covered and screened outdoor patio for relaxing or outdoor dining and a restaurant, Logan’s Biscuit Co., with a club membership that has grown to 340 members.
The state-of-the-art, modern clubhouse is the next step in keeping alive the project that began almost 100 years ago with the Ladies’, Men’s and Seniors’ Golf Associations, a nice pool area and beautiful greens with improvements including a new practice putting green.
To learn more about MCC and club activities check out their website: mineolagolfclub.com, their Instagram: Mineola_Country_Club or their email: Mineolacc@gmail.com.