History and Living Combine for Ferndale Holiday Home Tour Dec. 13
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 7, 2014)
Getting involved with the Ferndale Historical Society was one way that Garry Taylor, who is now the President, got to know his community when he moved from California with his husband Jeff in 2008. But in addition to the joy of exploring Ferndale’s history, Taylor has been fortunate to live in a home where his everyday life is immersed in the rich character and atmosphere of the past.
And now, for the first time, The Taylors are opening their four bedroom colonial-style 1935 home up for the public to come in and take a peek. Their house on Drayton Avenue is one of several that will be included in the Dec. 13 Holiday Home Tour that will benefit the Ferndale Historical Society.
The self-guided tour kicks off at the Ferndale Historical Museum at 1651 Livernois with participants able to pick up tickets and guide books any time between 3pm and 7pm for a cost of $15. They can then travel to the various homes, exploring the unique features, getting holiday decorating ideas, and meeting neighbors. A reception will also be held at Blumz by JR Designs at 504 E. 9 Mile for participants. Each home will have a page that can go into a keepsake album.
Taylor felt it was about time to get his home on the list. “Normally I am busy helping with the event but this year I wanted to support the Society and how other homeowners that what it’s like to be part of it. I think it shows I am excited about this fundraiser and getting the word out about the Ferndale Historical Society. A lot of people don’t even know we exist,” he said.
A sneak peak in the Taylor home shows exquisite attention to detail, with a very traditional look kept year round, and the seasonal décor that Taylor adds between Thanksgiving and the second week of January.
The mantle is adorned with sprayed evergreen and brilliant red accents – including cardinals – that Taylor said show off “the natural beauty of Ferndale.” The tree has rainbow lights shining through over 2,700 German Glass decorations. And white plastic trees make the home easy to find for tour participants.
The home itself has many original features. The hardwood floors have never been hidden by carpeting or paint. The windows have pink marble sills. “I loved this house because everything was here,” Taylor said. “All the doors still had their glass doorknobs, and all the skeleton keys still worked. It was perfect.”
“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always been fascinated with the large colonial homes of the South,” he said. “It’s not just about status but I like the slower paced lifestyle of the past, of that era.”
The previous owners did upgrade the kitchen, and a sunroom was added on to the back, eliminating a large window, but other than that not much has changed, Taylor said.
To see Taylor’s home- and several others – come to the Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 13. For more information or to purchase tickets online go to http://www.ferndalehistoricalsociety.org/for_sale.html#2014_historic_holiday_tour.
The Home Tour is following the Holiday Ice Festival in Downtown Ferndale. For more info go to https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/11/29/downtown-ferndale-ice-festival-dec-13/.
For more event listings go to https://oaklandcounty115.com/events/
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