'Tis the Season for the Haddonfield Holiday House Tour

Haddonfield lights up during the holiday season with picturesque Victorian-style homes decorated to the rafters.

Haddonfield’s 13th annual Holiday House Tour on Thursday, makes for the perfect opportunity to get an inside look at five carefully-selected historic beauties.

The tours will take place from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m.and from 5 to 9 p.m. The house tours typically feature houses of all styles and ages; however this year’s five homes are all historic in nature in recognition of Haddonfield’s Tricentennial; each home is 100 years old or older.

Tickets for the House Tour are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tours. Tickets are available at the Haddonfield Information Center, 2 Kings Court 856-216-7253; by visiting the Haddonfield Public Library at 60 N. Haddon Ave. (cash or check only); and online at www.haddonfieldnj.org. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Haddonfield Information Center or at any one of the five participating homes. For the address of one of the homes, please call 856-216-7253.

Proceeds from the 2013 Haddonfield Holiday House Tour go to the Historical Society of Haddonfield to be used towards the expansion of the society’s historic library. The society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Haddonfield and its environs by collecting, conserving, studying, and interpreting that history to the widest audience. It also contributes the weekly Lost Haddonfield feature in Haddon Patch.

The five houses on the tour are filled with artifacts and history; each with its own story and unique character and charm.

One of the homes, built in 1816 for "Master Farmer John Roberts," is the most important dwelling remaining in Haddonfield from the early Federal period. This brick home features Greek Doric columns, an 1816 doorway, chandeliers and a massive cooking fireplace; all decorated with trimmings for the holidays.

Another of the houses once marked the edge of the Roberts Farm estate. The oldest part of the house is the rear addition, built in 1743. It served as a one- room schoolhouse operated by the Morris sisters and was reportedly a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Tour guests can also visit a Colonial Revival style home, built in 1909 by well-known local builder William Capern, and has a fascinating architectural history. The beautiful chestnut wood was originally used in the New Jersey building of the 1876 Centennial held in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Admire the beautiful antiques throughout the home and be sure to peek into the powder room for a surprise!

A fourth home, a Second Empire Victorian-style home was built in 1883 by Jonathan G. Bowker for Dr. Charles Hendry Shivers, a prominent physician, as his home and office. Country-type décor; with rustic Christmas trees and Santa’s will adorn the home.

The fifth of these impressive dwellings was built in 1899 by William Capern, and is a transition between Victorian and Arts and Crafts. It is characterized by a high-pitched roof and square rooms, which incorporate many doors and windows. Throughout the house, notice the eclectic collection of art from Red Grooms to contemporary American artists. The Christmas decorations inside and outside the home are made primarily from fresh greens and dried fresh flowers.

The following Haddonfield attractions will also be open during the Haddonfield House Tour on Thursday, December 12:

Historical Society of Haddonfield at Greenfield Hall, 343 Kings Highway
Decorated for the holidays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., snacks and light refreshments will be offered as you shop for greens, brooms from the Broom Squire and hand woven items.

Indian King Tavern and Museum, 233 Kings Hwy East
Dressed in Holiday Style, visiting hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.