80th Annual Castleton Colonial Day House Tour

Past event
Aug 18, 2018, 10 AM to 4 PM

Step back in time as hostesses in Colonial attire greet guests in homes along Castleton's historic Main Street during the 80th Annual Colonial Day House Tour, Saturday August 18th. The Castleton Womans Club sponsors this annual event featuring over a dozen sites throughout the village including outstanding period homes, public buildings and historic sites. To mark the 80th Anniversary of Castleton Colonial Day, representatives from the Vermont Legislature will present a State Proclamation at 4:00 p.m. at the Castleton Federated Church.

The Federated Church on Main Street, described as builder Thomas Royal Dake's architectural masterpiece, is a popular stop on the tour. The pulpit, with its intricate moldings and panels is one of the most extraordinary in the state. Dake is famous for his beautifully scaled spiral staircases which can be seen in some of the homes on the tour.

At the Higley House, home of the Castleton Historical Society, visitors can tour the exhibits, antique tools, carriage collection and period fashion display of 19th century clothing and accessories. On display at the Higley House will be the famous Blue Cat Quilt depicting historic landmarks in town and highlights from the book The Blue Cat of Castleton. The quilt was entirely hand sewn and hand quilted with over 375 hours spent in creating the unique pattern of quilting stitches.

Following this year's tour there will be a free Vermont Humanities Council event hosted by the Castleton Historical Society. At 4pm, New Haven Connecticut Museum and Historical Society Director William Hosley will talk about "Country Houses for a New Republic: Connecticut and Vermont's Master Builders". He will discuss the contributions of some legendary builders whose work helped give birth to a new architecture that was both worldly and nationally distinctive.

The 2018 Castleton Colonial Day House Tour will be held rain or shine Saturday, August 18th from 10am to 4pm. Tour tickets $20 ($18 seniors 62+) can be purchased on Colonial Day at ticket booths on Main Street. For information call 802-468-5691 or e-mail: rileytjvt@comcast.net

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