28 Apr 2014 Quapaw Quarter plans 50th Spring Tour of Homes
The Quapaw Quarter Association (QQA) will hold its 50th Spring Tour of Homes on Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, in the Governor’s Mansion Historic District of Downtown Little Rock. Arkansas First Lady Ginger Beebe and lifestyle expert and television host P. Allen Smith will serve as the event’s honorary co-chairs.
The Spring Tour of Homes has been held almost annually since 1963 with the purpose of fostering appreciation of historic buildings and neighborhoods and the need for their preservation. The 50th Spring Tour of Homes features five houses surrounding the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion that range from the early 1880s to the 1930s and comprise an outstanding collection of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture.
"The success of historic preservation in Greater Little Rock is the result of hardworking Arkansans who have spent decades building pride and confidence in local historic neighborhoods," said Beebe. "As a resident of the Governor’s Mansion for many years, I have seen firsthand how preservation projects help make neighborhoods throughout Arkansas a better place to call home. On this Mother’s Day weekend, I encourage people from across the state to join us in experiencing the rich history of the Quapaw Quarter."
The 50th Spring Tour of Homes includes the Pierce House (c.1881) on 1704 Center St., the Turner-Back House (c. 1884-85) on 1722 Center St., the Mayer Cottage (c. 1937) on 317 West 17th St., the Caruth-Cochran House (c.1882) on 320 West 18th St., and the Old Methodist Parsonage (c.1927) on 401 West 18th St.
"Historic preservation is more than saving old buildings; it’s a means to revitalizing neighborhoods and returning life to Main Street," said Allen. "My city Garden Home is in the Quapaw Quarter, and the entire area, from the Clinton Library at the River Market all the way to Central High, is full of Little Rock’s gems, cornerstones of our city. I’m encouraged by the vitality and the renewal I continue to see, and together we have the opportunity to take part and experience a renaissance of our community."
The 50th Spring Tour of Homes includes several weekend events beginning Saturday, May 10, with the Candlelight Tour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. The After Party will be held at South on Main Restaurant and features live music by Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers.
On Sunday, May 11, the Spring Tour of Homes will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and also includes tours of the Governor’s Mansion Parterre Garden and P. Allen Smith’s City Garden. The afternoon tour features live music, trolley rides, food vendors and more. A Sunday Brunch will be held prior to the day tour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Historic Curran Hall.
Tickets for the Candlelight Tour and dinner are $125 per person and include the Sunday afternoon tour. Spring Tour of Homes tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 the day of tour. Children 10 and under are free. Sunday brunch tickets are $35 each and include the afternoon tour. Tickets can be purchased at quapaw.com or at the Little Rock Visitor Information Center at Curran Hall on 615 E. Capitol Avenue. You may also call 501.371.0075. Proceeds benefit the historic preservation programs of the QQA.
The 50th Spring Tour of Homes event co-chairs are Anthony W. Black and Shalah Brummett, both of Little Rock. Anthony and Shalah are previous tour chairs and have spent decades working to advance historic preservation projects in Greater Little Rock through the QQA and similar organizations.
For social media, the QQA encourages attendees to use #QQASpringTour as the official event hashtag.
