The Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) invites the community to its 53nd Annual Historic House Tour Saturday, October 4, noon to 5:00 pm. Tour seven handpicked historic homes in the Christian Hill and Middletown Historic Districts.
General admission tickets are $15 for those over age 12, AALA members $10. Tickets can be purchased two ways: in person on the day of the tour starting at 11:30 am at Haskell Park, 1211 Henry Street, near Haskell Playhouse. Tickets are also available to buy anytime online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/aalas-2025-historic-alton-house-tour and will be held at will call in Haskell Park starting at 11:30 am at Haskell Park, 1211 Henry Street, near Haskell Playhouse.
According to AALA President Terry Sharp, “By having our event on Saturday, people from Alton Main Street’s Farmer’s Market can enjoy the tour. Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve. The tour will go rain or shine.”
The tour is self-guided. You drive yourself to each house. There will be a sign in front of the tour houses. You can go to any house in any order. Your booklet with map is your ticket to get into each house. The booklet has a picture and history of each house. There are steps at each house. All houses are open all afternoon from noon to 5:00 pm.
The tour will include these historic houses:
Haskell Playhouse was built in 1884 for 4-year-old Lucy Jane Haskell, designed by Alton architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger.
Wade-Drury House was built in 1839 by Samuel Wade, a carpenter and builder by trade, who later engaged in the meat-packing business and was elected Alton mayor four times.
Jun-Hargiss House was owned by Jacob Jun, a cooper who crafted wooden barrels, followed by Columbus and Mattie Hargiss and their son Cecil, a house painter by trade. See the house renovation in progress.
Lea-Davis House was built around 1850 for Henry Lea, a dealer in dry goods (textiles, clothing and more) on West Third Street. It is one of about 20 houses rescued by Fred Dirck, former proprietor of Prairie Peddler Antiques, historic house restorer and innkeeper.
Andrew Stiritz House was built in 1905 by Alton architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger for Mr. Stiritz, a wholesale grocery salesman. Many will remember contractor Ed Morrissey and Dr. Tom Morrissey who were raised in this home. Later Jacob and Charlotte Schneider owned the home for four decades and raised their children there.
Joseph Kelly House was the home of Joseph and Alice Kelly and their two sons. Mr. Kelly ran Acme Bowling Alley on Broadway in 1927 and the interest was sold out in 1986.
The McPike Mansion was the 7,000 square foot home of Henry Guest McPike, designed by Alton architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger in 1868. The first floor with gift shop can now be visited as well as the vaulted wine cellar in the basement and the grounds.
