The following are brief descriptions of some of the homes you are invited to experience this Winter Holiday Season in Old Seminary Square, located in Covington, Ky.
Ranging from 21st Century modern to 19th Century Civil War era architecture, Old Seminary Square has it all:
Home of Bob Sanders (Purchase tickets at this location)
"The Charles Fisk Home"
1017 Russell St.
Originally numbered 1011 Russell St., this home was built in the late 1860's for Charles Fisk, who as a young man, defended the Northern Kentucky area against Confederate troops during the Civil War. In the Fall of 1862 he organized and led a group of Ohioan sharpshooters known as the "Squirrel Hunters" to defend and protect the Cincinnati region from 12,000 advancing troops heading north through Kentucky. After the War, Fisk was admitted to the Kentucky Bar and set up shop in his father's law firm from 1868 to 1890. From then until his retirement, Fisk maintained his law office in Covington at this location, where it remains as the law office of Bob Sanders.
Home of Joe & Dale Meyer
"The John Todd House"
106 West 11th St.
Mr. Todd was an agent for the C&O Railroad who had the home built for his family in 1865, the year the Civil War ended. The home was then purchased in 1874 by Laban J. Bradford, a tobacco merchant who served as a Kentucky State Representative.
Home of the current Mayor of Covington, this 3-story home with wide and welcoming stairs, was built in the style of Victorian architecture, and yet embraces an Italianate design, with 14-foot ceilings, extravagant ornamental plaster molding details, and twin 18x20 parlors that will be exquisitely decorated in holiday style.
Home of Jim Jorden
127 W. Robbins St.
A lovingly restored example of a two-story Victorian rowhouse that was among the first of the homes to be rehabed as the revitalization of Old Seminary Square began in the late 1970s and early 80's. Earlier this year, the manicured gardens were recognized and given an award by the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.
Home of Tim Acri
1034 Russell Ave.
This home is part of a matched set; two double town homes which are eclectic in nature, but proudly display elements of several popular late 19th century styles, including a slate mansard roof, Gothic gabled facade, and Queen Anne window treatments. Fully renovated, this home was built in 1884 and is listed on the Covington Register. The attention to detail in this Victorian Italianate will be sure to amaze. If you're a train enthusiast, this may be your favorite stop.
Home of Jeff & Suzanne Anderson
"The Harriet Albro House"
1041 Russell St.
The Harriet Albro house was built in 1874 for the widow of Henry Albro, a Cincinnati dealer in fine wood and veneers. The house is Victorian in style, but unique in that the foundation outline is that of a square. The walnut and oak staircase that curves 90-degrees between the first and second floors, is an incredible centerpiece to this historic home, and the house is believed to have been built around the stairs.
The stately manor is distinguished by extraordinary woodwork and high ceilings. The home was purchased in 1904 for $4,200 and again in 1979 for $9,000, when the home was renovated to its current condition.
Home of Arnold & Jo Ann Simpson
112 W. 11th Street
The home of State Representative Arnold Simpson and his wife, Jo Ann, who heads the Human Resources Dept. for the City of Covington. Believed to be the faculty house for the Western Baptist Theological Institute, this home's front porch is enveloped by beautiful ornamental iron from Covington's very own Stewart Ironworks, founded in 1862, the second-oldest iron company in continuous operation in the United States today.
Home of Connie Carr
1022 Russell St.
This home is one of four attached townhouses in a Victorian Rowhouse that dates to the early 1880s. After a serious fire that occurred in one of the attached townhouses, a massive rehabilitation and redecoration was able to take place, transforming some of the rough and hewn aspects of historic architecture with modern day amenities. A true show piece in the neighborhood, this home has preserved the antique heart of the community, while seamlessly adopting class and modern design elements into the home.
Home of Dan & Linda Carter
"The Sanford House"
1026 Russell St.
Built my Major Alfred Sanford in early 1800's, this private residence was originally constructed in Federal style, but was redesigned in French Empire style after a fire claimed much of the home. In the 1840's the home was used as "Miss Bristow's Boarding and Day School for Young Ladies and Misses", an exclusive finishing school of the period.
Please note that this stop on the tour will provide bathroom facilities for ticket holders.
Home of Lauren & Jordan Huizenga
902 Banklick St.
This lovely home constructed in 2012 by the current owners Jordan and Lauren Huizenga. Through a partnership with the City of Covington, the Center for Great Neighborhoods and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the previous structure, which suffered from severe water and structural damage was razed and this new home was constructed in its place. The previous building on the property dated back to the early 1900s and had served as a grocery store with apartments above for decades before the building was abandoned in the 90s and allowed to fall into complete disrepair. Architects worked intentionally to design the building with an open and modern floor plan, complemented by a full brick exterior that is appropriate and fits in well with the surrounding neighborhood. Jordan and Lauren are proud to call Old Seminary Square, the Westside, and Covington home.
Home of Ashley & Austin Dunbar
901 Russell St.
901 Russell was built in 1883 by Frederick Blank of the H.W. Smith Company. Blank owned and operated multiple whiskey distilleries and Beer & Spirits stores throughout Pike, 12th and South Russell Streets. The house features original Rookwood tile and hardwood floors throughout its three-story Italianate construction. The home is owned by Austin Dunbar of Durham Brand & Co. with wife Ashley and three daughters.
***Tickets can be purchased at this location, 1017 Russell St.) on both days of the event for $20 each.
