August 22, 2008 Press Release - Heritage Festival

NEWS from SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Information Contacts:

Judi Vanderbeck
(269) 857-2682
hj.vanderbeck@comcast.net

Bill Hess
(269) 857-1081
wwh71@comcast.net

Click HERE for a pdf of
the news release or one of the homes below for a higher resolution copy.

SAUGATUCK-DOUGLAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY 7^TH ANNUAL
HERITAGE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 20 & 21

AUG. 22, 2008 -- On September 20^th and 21^st, the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society's 7^th annual Heritage Festival once again will feature the popular Home Tour as well as a number of other events that showcase the heritage of the Saugatuck-Douglas area.

On Saturday, September 20^th

Ticket holders for the "Eight Moments in Time" Home Tour will get a rare look inside seven distinctive homes, each which reflects a unique aspect of the Saugatuck's area multi-facetted architectural heritage -- plus a look inside the newly renovated Douglas landmark, The Old School House (1866). The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes historically or architecturally distinctive award-winning residences in Saugatuck, Douglas, and the Pier Cove area, ranging from contemporary,

Civil War era, to cottage style. Visitors can enjoy the day at their own pace, starting at any tour site and driving themselves. Parking is free. Hosts and information sheets will point out significant details of each home. Lunch will be served on the lawn of The Old School House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., benefiting area non-profit organizations and church groups.

Homes Tour ticket price is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the tour, with proceeds supporting the Society's programs. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Historical Society Museum at Mt. Baldhead Park on North Park Street in Saugatuck, Uncommon Grounds in Saugatuck and the French Cottage in Douglas; and on tour day, tickets will be available at all tour sites, including the Old School House. Click HERE for a Home Tours Map.

SITE 1 -- KELLY HOUSE | 2007
3740 Riverside Drive, Saugatuck Township
Three levels of glass at the Kalamazoo riverside, the inspiration of its glass craftsman-owner, truly brings the outdoors indoor.

SITE 2 -- SPANGLER HOUSE | 1994
18 Park Street, Saugatuck
Small is beautiful. This contemporary house reflects both Saugatuck and Key West design history in an inspiring setting.

SITE 3 -- TORNVALL BARN | 2007
540 Campbell Road, Douglas
A 4,000 sq. ft. reconstruction of an historic barn with a blend of elegant contemporary details. Unsurpassed in use of materials, including historic tile and "green" design.

SITE 5 -- TIMBER BLUFF | 1920s-1950s
2729 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville
The ultimate in cottage charm and whimsy. Six little cottages facing Lake Michigan -- all recently brought back to life.

SITE 4 -- KNOLLENBERG HOUSE | 1942
605 Campbell Road, Douglas
A "modern" cottage for its era, designed by one of Chicago's first modernist designers for a famous Chicago family. Recently restored by one of Michigan's leading interior designers.

SITE 6 -- BLUE WATER LODGE | 1937
2420 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville
The cottage of a Michigan industrialist and one of the finest architectural Arts & Crafts cottages by Saugatuck architect and artist Carl Hoerman. Recently reconstructed.

SITE 7 -- DUTCHER-MARK HOUSE | 1889
148 Union Street, Douglas
Home of Douglas's most famous Civil War veteran, world traveler, and member of one of the founding families of Douglas. Rich interior. Fine reconstruction by present owner.

SITE 8 -- OLD SCHOOL HOUSE | 1866
130 Center Street, Douglas
One of America’s finest statements in public school architecture of the Civil War era. See "green" restoration work in progress -- and proposed garden plan.

Additional attractions on Saturday, September 20^th

"Clothesline" Art Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Beery Field in downtown Douglas. Admission free. Work by members of the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club, maintaining the Club's tradition of displaying work on clotheslines.

Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum, Noon to 4 p.m., Park Street at Mt. Baldhead Park, Saugatuck (a short walk from the Chain Ferry). Admission free. "13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller" exhibition, plus Museum Shop featuring the Society's award-winning publications on local history topics.

On Sunday, September 21^st -- Three new Heritage Festival events:

Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Saugatuck, 11 a.m., 1, and 3 p.m. Gather at the Information Booth, Butler and Culver Streets, Saugatuck. Tickets $5 (cash only, kids under 12 free). 75-minute tours led by Society docents, along a mostly flat route.

Historic Tallmadge Woods Hike with Saugatuck Mayor Tony Vettori. 2 p.m. Park and assemble at Mt. Baldhead Park, Park Street, Saugatuck. Tickets $5 (cash only, kids under 12 free) Hike to the "Crow's Nest" scenic overview of Lake Michigan, the dunes, and Oxbow Lagoon. Trail rated easy to moderate. Walking/hiking shoes recommended. Note: Tallmadge Woods was recently placed into a perpetual Conservation Easement with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan now entrusted to preserve and protect these significant lands for the benefit of the public.

Realtors Open House Tour, featuring area houses of historic and architectural significance available for sale. Homes are generally open from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information on each home including description and location will be included in a packet that will be distributed to Saturday Home Tour visitors. For additional call (269) 857-5751.

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