George Efthimou trio. The weather was delightful for the Evening Walking Tour of Historic Homes on December 3rd. It was sponsored by the Garden City Historical Society. Maureen Clancy, a past president of the Society said, “I am delighted with the ‘reinstatement’ of a previous holiday tradition, the Walking Tour of Historic Homes.”

The evening started out with select singers performing at The Garden City Historical Society Museum, who were from Ms. Nancy Kleemann’s choral classes at the Garden City Middle School. Each student was dressed in a Victorian- era ensemble, singing beautiful Christmas carols while holding a candle.

The attendees then were led on the tour by Historical Society guides with lanterns to each of the homes, which are some of the finest historical homes in Garden City. Inside the tour continued through the first floor, with the homeowners or Society volunteers talking about the home’s unique features. Historical and architectural information on their specific homes was researched earlier by Society President, Brian Pinnola, Society Board Member, Albert Intreglia and architecture school graduate, Jordan Fay.

Owners of Cherry Valley home with Joanne K. Adams & Cathi Cavanaugh, volunteers. Two houses were on Ninth Street, which are original A. T. Stewart homes, designed by Hempstead architect, John Kellum, and built circa 1873-1874 by James L’Hommedieu of Great Neck. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cherry Valley Avenue colonial was designed by R. C. Hunter and Brothers Architects of New York City and built in 1922. Lastly, the Hilton Avenue home was built in 1910 and still had the original parquet floors with an inlaid border. “How fortunate we are to have these lovely historic homes, so meticulously maintained right here in our community!” says Albert Intreglia, Board Member of the Society.

Homeowner who’s a marine artist. Afterward, the Garden City Historical Society Museum was filled with many revelers at the Yuletide Reception. Attendees were invited in by Special Events Chair, Cindy Rudolph, who was dressed in the latest fashion, for 1875 that is! She and her volunteer staff served holiday goodies, while Joe Stanco was bartender. Charles Dickens would have felt right at home with the tour and reception! They were entertained by the music of George Efthimou’s trio: singer, Alexa Grant, accompanied on keyboard by George and by Paul Cuneo on the saxophone. They are part of the larger group, Tom Wagner’s Village Music Makers.

Joe Stanco, Historical Society Board Member. Thanks to: The gracious and generous homeowners who opened up their homes. Thanks also to the florists who donated arrangements; Garden City Auxiliary Police for traffic control; the Garden City Historical Society volunteers; and most importantly, the members and friends who supported the Evening Walking Tour of Historic Homes.

For people who enjoy our town’s unique history, this Walking Tour was quite informative, with so many historic homes within a short distance from the Museum. Kris Harder, Chair of the Evening Walking Tour, said, “The Tour was a success because of our wonderful volunteers with their enthusiasm! The Garden City Historical Society is already planning on doing this again next year, with another selection of beautiful, historical homes. We hope you will join us.”

Interior of The Garden City Historical Society Museum. (Photos by Suzie Alvey) The much-needed funds will be used to operate The Garden City Historical Society Museum, help with education programs & contribute to its archiving work. The Museum is located at 109 Eleventh Street, one block west of Franklin Avenue. Visit the website at: www.GardenCityHistorical

Society.org.

Cindy Rudolph, Special Events Coordinator.
Carol Efthimou with her fur coat displayed.
Volunteers Cathi Cavanaugh and Carol Efthimou with Society President, Brian Pinnola.
Homeowners of Hilton house.
Homeowner and son giving talk.
Kris Harder, Chair of the Evening Walking Tour & her husband, Frank in front of the Victorian Christmas tree in the Parlor
GC Middle School Christmas chorus.
Nancy Kleemann, choral teacher at Garden City Middle School with Amber.