Historic homes tour is Dec. 4
Baker, Stoners, Weemses, and Yocks will open their homes for historical society house tour
Several of Peabody's most historic homes will be open to the public during the Christmas home tour.
This year's tour is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and is sponsored by Peabody Historical Society.
The oldest home open for viewing, known as the "old McKercher place," located at 305 N. Maple, is owned by Greg and Debi Stoner.
The home was built in 1875 by Duncan McKercher who died in 1899. His son, Frank B., also lived in the house with his family. The house occupied most of the block at one time and legend says a "tunnel was constructed to the barn so the family could arrive there in comfort."
The old barn is now owned by the Duke Eldridge family, but no positive trace of a tunnel has been found.
Today Stoners are eager to learn more history of the home and are hoping to restore it to its original state.
The Ross Baker home at 701 Walnut was built in 1918 for the Rock Island depot agent, Mr. Bradley. The home later was purchased by Nelson Poe and it remained in that family until purchased in 1999 by the Ross and Rosalie Baker.
Ross, the only original member of Peabody Historical Society board, is well known for his love of antiques, his home's fine dining atmosphere, and his enjoyment of entertaining friends with good food.
The home of Alan and Diane Yock located at 305 Sycamore is one of a cluster of homes built in the early 1920s by "Carpenter Wilbert." The home's simple, yet elegant style, fits perfectly with two professional people — both are nurses — who love to cook and garden.
The kitchen shows off Alan's handmade wooden counter and cooking equipment is all in easy reach. The bathroom retains its handsome black and white tiles. Beautiful woodwork also highlights the home.
Another of these "Carpenter Wilbert " homes also will be on the Christmas tour. The home of Darren and Annette Weems and their three children is located at 306 N. Sycamore, across the street from the Yock home.
Collections of gingerbread men, angels, snowmen, and nativity scenes will be on display. The house is referred to as a "work in progress" while the family does repair work and remodeling to fit their needs.
Tickets for the Christmas home tour will be available at the Morgan House, 212 N. Walnut, located south of the Carnegie library, the day of the tour. Coffee, wassail, and desserts also will be available.
