The home of Mike and Jeannie Ledden, located at 313 Walnut Street in Parsons, will be featured on the PRO-ON-TRAC Christmas House Tours. Part of the Christmas Celebration, the tours will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday morning Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. – noon.
The Ledden home, built in 1904 by Jeannie’s grandparents, John and Mary Minear, is a two story folk-Victorian style primitive/country décor. Mrs. Ledden lived in this home with her parents until she was seven when they moved to their own house down the street in 1945. Mike and Jeannie reoccupied the home in 1976 with their two children, Holly and John. The Ledden’s are thus the third generation to occupy the home. Upon moving in, Mike and Jeanie completely remodeled the house, adding insulation and a furnace. They have since enclosed some rooms and opened up others.
The Ledden home was heavily damaged in the 1985 flood, destroying the entire downstairs up to the ceiling on the first floor. They did the renovations themselves with Mike making the kitchen cabinets out of wormy chestnut and Jeanie stripping all the woodwork. All of the windows were replaced at that time as well.
The Leddens (mostly Jeanie) decorate every inch of their home for the holidays. This is a MUST see home.
Three other homes and a business will be included on the PRO-ON-TRAC 2018 Christmas House Tours. A different home will be featured each week. Tickets will be on sale Nov. 15 at City Hall and Shop n Save for $7 each and also at each home on the dates and times of the tours for $10. The ticket will cover all locations.
Participants will be asked to remove their shoes upon entering a home or put on hospital shoe coverings that will be provided. To alleviate parking issues, please consider car pooling to the homes.
All proceeds will be used in the on-going revitalization of downtown Parsons.
