The second home to be featured on the PRO-ON-TRAC Christmas House Tours that take place on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, is the home of Sandy Hockman. Located at 305 Walnut Street, Parsons, Sandy affectionately refers to her home as “The Lake House.” Not that it is on a lake, but the home was owned and occupied for over 80 years by the Amer Lake family and his decendents.
Built in 1894, this Victorian style home was originally owned by H.N. & Florence Doolittle and then sold in 1897 to C.H. Minear for $400. Amer Lake purchased the home in 1898. Mr. Lake’s son, Hubert, former President of Tucker County Bank, retained the deed in 1932 and later passed it on to his twin sons until it was sold in 1980 to Ruth Quadrio. Around the year 2000, Debbie Chapman owned the home for about 5 years until it was purchased in 2009 by Sandy Hockman.
It has been a dream of Sandy’s to own an older, historic home. After searching in the Elkins area, she found this home in Parsons and purchased it after being on the market for just 5 days. Improvements to the home include new interior wood floors, electrical work, a metal roof and extensive landscaping and gardening.
The home has beautiful oak woodwork surrounding each window and door. The front doors have unique beveled glass on the surrounding edge and the doorbell is activated by turning a ringer. Chandeliers, twinkling crystals and an ornate staircase make this a home worth seeing. Step back in time and visit this historic home being opened up to our community this holiday season.
In all, four homes and a business will be featured on the Christmas House Tours. A different home will be highlighted each week in the Advocate. Tickets go on sale for $5 beginning Nov. 14 at City Hall and Shop ‘n Save. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of each home on Dec. 9 starting at 5:00. Additionally, each location will have a Christmas item being raffled off that evening. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Participants in the tours may go to the locations in any order they choose. To lessen congestion at the homes, please consider carpooling and have a fun time exploring these great homes in Parsons!
