Annual Home & Garden Tour returns on April 28

By Lori Harder
Special to the Viewpoint

Mark your calendar for the 21st annual Home & Garden Tour, set for Saturday, April 28. Eight homes will graciously open their doors this year to help raise funds for the Sierra 2 Center and other SCNA needs.

A featured home will be the historic J.C. Carly House on Montgomery Way at Franklin Boulevard, which is the first structure in Curtis Park to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has also been given local historic recognition, being placed in the Sacramento Historic Register in 2005.

Dan Murphy, SCNA President and Heritage Committee Chair, stated: "Mr. Carly's home was the cornerstone of one of the finest residential streets in Sacramento. He kept design approval in the South Curtis Oaks subdivisions, ensuring a graceful continuity throughout that has certainly stood the test of time."

In addition to getting a peek at the interior of this unique home, there are several other beautiful homes and gardens in a variety of architectural styles throughout Curtis Park on this year's tour, including a beautifully restored Craftsman, as well as Tudor, Mediterranean, and other revival styles.

A special celebration will also take place as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1907 opening of J.C. Carly's first subdivision in the neighborhood. Then known as Curtis Oaks, this initial Curtis Park subdivision includes the streets bounded by Donner Way, 24th Street, Portola Way, and Franklin Boulevard. Several activities of historical interest will take place, including displays throughout the tour sites, and a slide show presentation at the Sierra 2 Center. (More information can be found in the adjacent story or at www.Sierra2.org.)

Beginning this year, there will be a price break for those purchasing tickets in advance. Advance General Admission tickets are $20 ($15 for SCNA members), and $25 ($20 for SCNA members) the day of the tour. Ticket sale locations include Swanbergs (at their new 21st and X Streets location), Collected Works at 4524 Freeport Boulevard, and the Ivy House at 5601 H Street. Members can only receive their discount by purchasing tickets at the Sierra 2 Center (2791-24th Street). For more information, call Sierra 2 at 452-3005.

Cook Realty returns as major sponsor. Their continued support of this fundraising event is appreciated.

Docents are needed to greet guests and monitor the homes. If you would like to volunteer for a two-hour shift, please call Lori Harder at 451-4661. Volunteers receive a 50% discount on their ticket.

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