Historic House Tour Dec. 8 Supports 4th's Fireworks

The Historic Holiday House Tour Trolley passes the Elks Club on High Street during a previous year's tour.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by tour organizers.

The Borough of Pottstown boasts many stunning, historic buildings – and many will be festively decorated and warmly opened to the public for the Historic Pottstown Holiday Tour offered alongside related activities Sunday, Dec. 8, between 12 and 5 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit the Third Annual Pottstown GoFourth! fireworks festival in Memorial Park. (See below for details on how to enjoy the various holiday activities). This year’s festival will have a “Sunny 2020” Woodstock theme, planners say.

The interior of the Elks Club, where tea will be served.

In the meantime, holiday lovers can get in the spirit on Dec. 8, beginning with a tea at the Elk’s Club, 61 E. High St., between 12 and 3 p.m.

A trolley, sponsored by ROG Orthodontics and Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, will shuttle historic house tour-goers to about one dozen stops throughout the Borough while Pottstown historian Mike Snyder shares fascinating stories about our town’s past.

The trolley tours will begin at 1 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m., both leaving from Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 150 N. Hanover St. (Tickets for the trolley tour are already sold out.)

Cookies and punch -- and raffle baskets -- will be offered at Emmanuel, too.

A self-guided tour of the historic properties, all lovingly decorated for the season, may be taken between 1 and 5 p.m. A shuttle service will be provided to those interested, courtesy of Tompkins VIST Bank and Pottstown Area Rapid Transit.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to peek inside some of Pottstown’s fantastic homes, many of which are perfect examples of architecture ranging from Queen Ann Victorian to Revival styles,” said Jo Bathurst, chair of the GoFourth! Historic Pottstown Holiday Tour. “The property owners who are participating will pull out all the stops to showcase these Pottstown gems. We truly appreciate their generosity in welcoming guests into their homes.”

“Even if you can’t enjoy the tour in person, you can show your pride in our beautiful community by purchasing the 2020 Pottstown Historic House Tour calendar, beautifully photographed by local artist Carol Brightbill,” adds Amy Francis, Pottstown GoFourth co-chair.

The stunning photos depict featured homes from a variety of angles and include colorful, creative graphic touches. The calendars are selling quickly, Francis notes. 

Priced at $15 each, they are available for purchase at these Pottstown locations: 

• Balanced Living Nutritional Foods, 26 S. Charlotte St.; 
• The Carousel at Pottstown Gift Shop, 30 W. King St.; 
• Studio 36 Bead Shop and Artisans Gallery, 105 E. High St.; 
• The Montgomery County Community College Bookstore, 101 College Drive; and 
• Pottstown ROG Orthodontics, 900 Heritage Drive No. 920.

Tickets are available at www.pottstowngofourth.com/tickets and at Studio 36 Bead Shop and Artisan’s Gallery, 105 E. High St.

The Historic Pottstown House Tour is $15 in advance, $20 on the tour day (Sunday, Dec. 8)

Tickets then will be exchanged for the official tour map between noon and 4 p.m. on the day of the tour only, also at Studio 36. 

This true community-wide event is a great way to showcase the Borough, raise funds for July’s GoFourth! festivities, and join friends and neighbors in celebrating Pottstown’s hometown holiday spirit.