Mineola holiday Tour of Homes returning

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The Mineola Landmark Commission hosts “Welcome Back Home,” continuing the annual Tour of Homes which was suspended two years due to COVID-19.

The tour will be Sunday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased the day of the tour at any participating home.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit Iron Horse Square and Junior Historian projects.

Four homes will be featured.

The Sims home at 219 N. Newsom was built in the 1930s by Dr. J.M. Puckett and was known for years as the English home for the well-loved English family that occupied it after the Pucketts.

Dana Sims has recently purchased the home. She has done a lot of restoration, bringing back its original beauty, and she loves the joy of decorating for Christmas.

Also, a s’more bar can be enjoyed in the comfort of the home’s backyard area during the tour.

The home of Ladd and Angela Thompson at 1815 N. Pacific was built in the 1950s by Joel and Mary Price who were two icons in the Mineola community. This home, originally outside of town, was on several acres where cattle were raised.

The Thompsons purchased the home in 1994 and have kept the homestead farm feel with many original features of the home, shop and barn as well as continuing to raise farm animals and a garden.

They made additions to the home in 1996 and enjoy decorating with the country Christmas feel.

The Miller home at 913 N. Johnson was built by T.J. Bryant in the mid-1930s and was later owned by Grover Smith, a former Mineola mayor and known as the Smith home for many years.

Bobby and Vicki Miller bought the home in 1983.  Christmas is evident in every area of the home.

It includes many collections and Christmas elements that decorate every visible space. It will take the viewer time to embrace the many features in every room.

The Wisdom home at 512 Sycamore was built in 1892 by Lorenzo Dow Calloway Jr. and is the oldest standing house in Mineola.

The first addition to the house provided rent-free housing for teachers. This area is now the master bedroom. The home has also served as a nursing home. The Gowan family renovated the home in the ‘80s and added the 3-car garage. The Wisdoms have embraced the history of this home, and in the last year they have turned one of the garage spaces into a wonderful suite for Sue’s mother which is beautifully decorated. 

Every room in this home is embraced with Christmas decor and nostalgia which will bring back memories from past decades.

All homes will be serving refreshments. Ticket stubs may be placed in the drawing for door prizes, and Landmark Commission merchandise will also be made available.