Join us for the Martinez Historical Society Home Tour, which includes six historic residences, John Muir’s 1882 Italianate Victorian (including off-limit areas), and more.
Reminiscent of medieval castles, Old-World cottages, and Spanish adobes, the Storybook Style houses of the ’20s and ’30s evoke fairy tales, but combine whimsical aesthetics with practicality and craftsmanship. Martinez is fortunate to be one of the few East Bay communities to enjoy a cluster of these historic “miniature mansions,” as they were dubbed by one of their master architects, Walter W. Dixon. View one of these charming houses for yourself on the Tour.
Other homes on the Tour, built from 1900 to 1935, represent Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival, and Cape Cod styles of architecture. Also featured are a “green” home, and the 1890 Borland Home, home of the Martinez Museum.
Michael Muir, the great grandson of John Muir, will be on hand with his horses and carriage. Vintage cars will be on display at the homes and museum, enhancing each participant’s visit to another era. Light refreshments will be served at the museum reception. Bob Loomis will entertain guests with live music with two sets at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Martinez home tour visitors will receive a keepsake booklet highlighting the history and architectural features of each home.
Presented by the Martinez Historical Society, the proceeds from the home tour will benefit the Society’s effort to restore the 1877 train depot in Martinez. Once restored, the goal is to open the building as a museum.
Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 and the tour takes two to three hours to complete. The tour begins at the Martinez Museum in downtown Martinez at 1005 Escobar Street (at Court Street). Free parking is available next to the museum. Public transportation is a short walking distance to the museum.
Tour shuttles will provide transportation from the museum to the downtown houses and the Muir house. No children under twelve years of age (infants may be carried in arms or a belly carrier). The homes are not wheelchair accessible, and cameras are not allowed. Wear comfortable shoes (no high heels, please).
Home Tour tickets are tax deductible, and are $20 in advance, or $25 when purchased the day of the event. A group rate of $18 per ticket for 10 or more is also offered. Purchase tickets by calling the Willows Community Box Office (CBON) at (925) 798-1300. Advance tickets may also be purchased at many locations in Martinez and Pleasant Hill. For more information, visit our website at www.martinezhometour.com or call June Rogers at (925) 228-2302.
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