This year's home tour, the third in a row, promises to be even better than ever with nine locations being readied for tours. The Whitland neighborhood, located directly south of West End Avenue between Bowling and Wilson Avenues, is once again inviting the public to walk its tree-lined streets and tour several homes and the recently renovated Fire Hall #17.
“We are so excited to once again open the doors of the historic Whitland neighborhood to our community friends and neighbors,” said Kindy Hensler, the 2007 Home Tour Committee co-chair for the Whitland Area Neighborhood Association. “This neighborhood has so much history and this year’s homes promise to reflect the history and beauty that has made Whitland neighborhood one of Nashville’s loveliest residential districts for close to a century,”
The Whitland neighborhood was once part of the Peach Blossom plantation, which became known as Whitland Farms in the late 1800s. The land was sold and the neighborhood was created in the early 20th Century. Adding to the rich historical presence of the neighborhood is the burial site of Charles Dickinson, son-in-law to Capt Joseph Erwin, who was killed in 1806 by Andrew Jackson in a duel.
The neighborhood was also once home to entertainers Dinah Shore and Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann in the popular sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” as well as, a host of other well-known figures such as senators, mayors, poets, entertainers and sports figures.
“There has been extensive renovation to many of the homes in the neighborhood in recent years, and the character and charm of the neighborhood has actually been preserved and enhanced by these renovations,” stated Doug Lesky, co-chair of Whitland’s home tour committee. “Our neighborhood is excited to open its homes to Nashville.” The wide, tree-lined boulevard of Whitland Avenue and its quiet, family-friendly side streets boast an architectural diversity that ranges from stately mansions to comfortable bungalows. Touring the neighborhood is reminiscent of a time when trolley cars were the primary means of commuting to downtown Nashville. In fact, a trolley bus will provide free transportation throughout the neighborhood during the tour.
Children with parental supervision are also welcome to play at the playground of Blakemore Children’s Center, located in the neighborhood. A Patrons' Party hosted by Ralph and Juli Mosley will be held on Friday, September 28 to kick-off the event. Home tour admission and tickets can be purchased at any of the open homes on the days of the tour for $15 or 2 for $25. Tickets for children under 12 are $8. Advance home tour tickets can also be purchased at a discounted price of $12 each through September 28th at the American Artisan, 4321 Harding Pike in Nashville and Davis Kidd Booksellers, 2121 Greenhill Village Drive at the Green Hills Mall.
A portion of the proceeds will again benefit Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity.
Here are some photos of a few of the homes and buildings that will be featured on the 2007 Whitland Home Tour.
Whitland.org
