RIDGWAY – On Sept. 24, 17 of Ridgway’s finest “century” homes will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Exquisite examples of Hyde-Murphy woodwork abound on this tour that is located primarily within the easily walkable “Lily of the Valley” National Historic Register District.
Established in Ridgway in 1884, the Hyde-Murphy Company became nationally-known as one of the best manufacturers of architectural woodwork in the eastern United States with offices in Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New York.
The company furnished fine woodwork for hundreds of famous buildings throughout the country including the Pentagon, Smithsonian Museum, Biltmore Country Club, George Vanderbilt Hotel, Harvard University, National Geographic Society, Constitution Hall, All Soul’s Church, Hotel DuPont and many more.
According to organizers, this is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to experience the magnificent Hyde-Murphy heritage showcased on this year’s tour. Many of Ridgway’s finest homes are within the “Lily of the Valley” National Historic Register District.
Tickets are available at the Ridgway-Elk County Welcome Center, Cliffes Pharmacy in Ridgway, the Village Peddler in St. Marys and Lindberg Furniture in Johnsonburg. On the day of the tour, tickets will be available at the Welcome Center.
Tickets can also be purchased online on the Council’s Web site: www.ridgwayheritagecouncil.com. It is possible to download the brochure anytime to peruse the listing of the homes on tour; however, a ticket is required to enter any of the tour locations.
This is an “open house” event that includes refreshments at the Elks Social Club, a visit to the Elk County Historical Society and two “stop-and-shop” unique businesses located in historic homes (South Street Botanical Designs and Jorae’s Quilt Shop).
Participants are provided with a map and brochure. Parking areas are noted and each house stop is marked with a special sign.
The Ridgway Heritage Council is an award-winning non-profit organization established in 1997 for the purpose of promoting economic development in Ridgway based upon the community’s outstanding heritage and natural resources.