“This is a sanctuary for making memories,” says a homeowner whose residence is featured on the Bexley House & Garden Tour brought to you by the Bexley Women’s Club on Sunday, June 2. In fact, the memories of many tour homes go back a long way. Five of the ten sites on the tour are 100 years old or older. Tour goers will see lovingly restored solid cherry doors and woodwork, antique doorknobs, windows and stonework, as well as homes completely refurbished with mid-century and modern designs. Restorations of old and newer homes have been done by professional architects and designers—and by the homeowners themselves.
These century homes hold many memories in their structures and on the land. One 1922 traditional colonial home was even built on a former cemetery. When the homeowners researched the history of the land, they discovered that the cemetery had been moved to a nearby location before their house was built. They were surprised to find that one of their ancestors was buried in the cemetery on land where they now live.
The Bexley Century Home initiative was developed to honor and recognize the 705 homes that were built in this community in 1924 or earlier. Homes on the tour, and all 100 year or older homes in Bexley, may display a specially designed blue circular Century Home yard marker. These signs are provided by an ongoing joint venture between the Bexley Historical Society and the Bexley Library and are funded by a grant from the Bexley Community Foundation.
Also included on the tour is the Bexley Public Library, which is celebrating its centennial year. Originally housed in one room of what was Bexley High School (now Montrose Elementary), the library moved in 1929 to 2411 East Main Street. The building was designed by architect Robert R. Reeves in the style of 17th century minor French architecture. In 1968, Mark Feinknopf and Associates designed an addition, maintaining the look of the original exterior. A bronze sculpture titled “Mother and Child” by Ebb Haycock and the building’s original bronze door are considered iconic features of this landmark institution. Special tours will be provided by library staff members.
Photos by Divine at Honey N Brown Photographers
Article originally appeared in May 2024