KHPF hosts Holiday Happenings in Historic Homes Saturday

Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation hosts its 12th annual Holiday Happenings in Historic Homes tour from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The tour includes the Stroope-Thrower home at 1000 E. Houston, Walkup-Simpson home at 2036 Broadway, Mc- Cartney-Crews home at 2201 Broadway, and the architecturally unique Kilgore Public Library at 301 N. Henderson.

Two homes are in the Woodlawn Broadway area that was a fashionable location for new designer homes in the 1940s. One home is located on the edge of the Meadowbrook historical neighborhood. The homes were all built in the mid-1940s and have been added to and reconfigured through the intervening decades. The library dates from 1939 when the city began to provide first-class public amenities as a result of oil boom riches.

Tickets are $10 for admission to all tour locations. Tickets will be on sale at each home the evening of the tour, but no sales will be made at the library. Proceeds benefit KHPF's efforts in the Meadowbrook neighborhood and also underwrites the holiday lighting placed in the Meadowbrook median facing Highway 259.

Meadowbrook was Kilgore's first planned neighborhood and was developed in 1932 by former mayor Roy H. Laird. It occupies a five-block area adjacent to the Meadowbrook Country Club and contains more than 40 houses that are at least 50 years old.

Stroope-Thrower Home, 1000 E. Houston

Built in 1945, the small house was purchased by Floy and Ben Stroope when they moved to Kilgore in the mid-40s. Located behind "Rudy's Gulf Service Station," a landmark Kilgore business, the home it is now owned by Jeanie and Brad Thrower, Rudy's son and his wife.

The Throwers welcome guests to their 1940s cottage that spotlights features and appointments original to the home. The original hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms have been restored. The home's footed bathtub remains in its place, although the bathroom has been cleverly converted into a clothes closet.

The entry hall features an antique hall-tree that the Throwers brought to the home. They have updated the kitchen with marble counters and modern appliances.

The entire home represents the past made comfortable for present-day living.

Walkup-Simpson Home, 2036 Broadway

The white frame home, built in 1945, has undergone numerous changes and remodeling through the decades.

Dayton and Frances Walkup owned the home for many years and as their children, Patricia and Lee, matured it was expanded to suit their family's needs.

Two dormer windows over a covered porch add Southern classical details to the exterior. Guests will be charmed by the recent renovations done by owners Randy and J. B. Simpson, who purchased the home in 2005.

The Simpsons rearranged the interior and decorated in the eclectic style. The living and dining rooms include Oriental accents and traditional furnishings. One large, open interior space includes the breakfast room, kitchen and great room. French doors lead from the great room to the outside deck and side garden.

McCartney-Crews Home, 2201 Broadway

The house was built in 1946 for a family named Palmer. Shortly after construction it was purchased by oilfield driller Mutt McCartney and his wife Alma. They expanded and improved the structure into a comfortable home where they reared their daughter Paula.

A covered entry porch graced with columns provides a welcoming front feature to the Paula and Travis Crews Home. A porch swing and rocking chairs set the tone for visitors.

The front door enters into the formal living room that, in turn, opens into the dining room. The home has three bedrooms, each with its own private bath. At the back of the house is the great room that exits to the outside carport and driveway.

The Crews have decorated with antiques from both sides of their family including furniture, china, glassware and quilts.

Kilgore Public Library, 301 N. Henderson

The Kilgore Public Library is constructed of Austin limestone in the neo-Gothic architectural style. During the 1930s oil boom, Mrs. Roy H. (Annie B.) Laird became a champion for organizing a public library in Kilgore. During her trips to Europe she personally purchased architectural elements for the building that are unique and exquisite. The building is renowned for its cohesive and detailed architectural style. It was built and dedicated in 1939.

The massive European wooden door leads to a vestibule from which various rooms radiate. These contain children's stacks and a reading room, a periodical and newspaper reading room and a reference section. Computers with wireless access are a nod to the modern needs of library patrons.