Explore Whimsical Homes on the Sycamore Pumpkin Fest Tour

The DeKalb County History Center is set to host its annual Historic Homes Tour as part of this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, focusing on the theme of “Whimsical Houses.” Scheduled for October 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the tour will highlight several of Sycamore’s most unique and quirky historic homes. Tickets are available for $25 and can be reserved at the History Center or online at dekalbcountyhistory.org.

Participants must check in at the History Center, located at 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore, where they can pick up a tour booklet that includes their ticket. Check-in will be open from October 24 until 9 a.m. on the day of the tour. It is important to note that tickets will not be sold in advance or at individual homes.

The tour promises to offer a glimpse into Sycamore’s architectural diversity, featuring seven locations that showcase distinct home designs and decorative styles. Highlights include two charming cottages, the renowned Nellie Murphy House, and a modern bungalow with energy-efficient features.

Featured Homes on the Tour

One of the first homes on the tour is located at 128 Alma St.. This quaint cottage was built in 1936 on the original William Marsh estate by Edward Holcomb, a local lumber yard owner. Initially intended as a model home, it has transformed into a captivating Cape Cod residence with a whimsical winding path leading to its entrance. The home features a cozy dining area and a living room adorned with a unique mantelpiece crafted by renowned local carver Joe Dillet.

Moving on to 129 N. California St., visitors will find the enchanting Nellie Murphy House, built in 1908 for John Murphy. This American Foursquare-style home was where Miss Helen “Nellie” Murphy lived for 70 years. The house is notable for its deep brown brick exterior and stunning glasswork, featuring over 20 windows of beveled, leaded, and stained glass. The recent restoration has preserved its whimsical charm, even in less conventional spaces like bathrooms and closets.

Next, the tour will take attendees to 205 W. High St., a charming stone cottage built in the 1930s. Owned by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church since 1966, the house features arched doors painted a cheerful yellow, adding to its fairy tale aesthetic. The cottage boasts 22 windows, two bedrooms, and an original fireplace, maintaining its historical integrity throughout.

Tour-goers will also visit the unique twin homes at 508 and 464 Somonauk St.. Originally designed as mirror images with front towers and wrap-around porches, these homes have since adopted distinct colors and styles. The Pink House at 508 Somonauk, built in 1872, has recently been painted in soft pink with maroon trim, showcasing original inlaid floors and creative decor. Its twin, 464 Somonauk, reflects a vibrant Pumpkin Fest orange and features exquisite crown molding and a grand staircase, as the current owners continue restoring its original charm.

The final home on the tour, located at 726 Somonauk St., is a cozy bungalow on a historically significant site once occupied by Waterman Hall, an exclusive boarding school established in 1889. This modern bungalow incorporates energy-efficient features like geothermal heating and solar panels, blending the past with present sustainability practices. The home also boasts original bricks from the chapel in its patio and includes a large model train display in the basement.

Visit the DeKalb County History Center

The tour will conclude at the DeKalb County History Center, where visitors can explore the center’s exhibitions, including the current display, “FOOD: Gathering Around the Table,” created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institutes. The center, opened in 2019, is transforming its campus to include a performance venue and walking paths that celebrate DeKalb County’s agricultural heritage.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762. Attendees are encouraged to immerse themselves in the stories each home has to offer during this unique celebration of Sycamore’s architectural history.