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DOWAGIAC — Guests attending the Dowagiac Area History Musem’s Spring Lecture Series finale Wednesday were presented with a sneak peak of a highly anticipated event.

Eileen Crouse of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce Home Tour Committee discussed the six properties on this year’s Dowagiac Home and Garden Tour, which returns Saturday, June 22.

Crouse and local historian Corey Crocker presented the homes on this year’s tour, their interesting histories, and some fun facts about the people who lived there.

This year’s Home and Garden Tour features six properties, including the Arthur Beckwith house on Oak Street, the Blish House on Center Street, the Hubbard House on Main Street, the Cullinane House on Indian Lake Road and a rare viewing of the upstairs of the Wounded Minnow. Another highlight will be the Rockery on High Street, built by Fred and Kate Beckwith Lee in the 1890s. Most of the properties on tour have steep stairs visitors should be mindful of. 

The tour is self-guided and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased to enter the homes. According to Crouse, the reception regarding the tour has been positive. As of Wednesday night, the tour had pre-sold 110 tickets. Last year’s event drew more than 400 guests.

The tour committee is chaired by Crouse and includes Alicea Rodriguez Cole, Allexia Money, Dana Sandoval, Jessica Shank, Zena Burns, and Ruth Ausra. Local historians Corey Crocker and Pamela Oliverez are providing research and background information on the homes.

Tickets are available online via the chamber website, under Events at dowagiacchamber.com, Imperial Furniture, 57530 M-51 South and at Cottage Gallery, 126 S. Front St., Dowagiac. Advance tickets are priced at $15, with day-of-tour tickets available for $20. All attendees must check in at the Dowagiac Area History Museum on June 22 to show proof of ticket purchase, or buy tickets, in order to receive the wristband that will allow entry to the tour homes, a list of addresses and tour map.

Individuals interested in volunteering for docent duties, which includes one free ticket, can contact Home Tour committee member Jessica Shank at jshank1231@gmail.com.