Holiday home tour for Privateer Days in Liverpool

Ann Langille and Brian Fralic are co-chairing the 1-5 p.m. Dec. 13 tour.

Langille says the eight homes range in age from the 18th to 20th century. “We have eight houses plus a tea and that will be at the Queens County Museum. They have a wonderful array of decorated Christmas trees this year. It’s a nice place to stop and see as well as the homes.”

In addition, she says the homeowners are planning to showcase their usual splendid decorating skills. “They go all out. People come out of the tour with a lot of great decorating ideas as well as Christmas ideas.”

All proceeds go to Privateer Days. Langille adds, “It’s a lot of fun but it’s a fundraiser for Privateer Days. Although last year was successful, the year before was difficult and we’re still paying off those debts.”

Privateer Days is also selling 2009 Privateers Revealed calendars and its popular Christmas Booty tickets.

The tour, however, is one of the volunteer organization’s major fundraisers.

Personally, Langille and husband, Jeff moved into their house only this year. It is now on the tour. “That was an 18th century church originally on the site where the United Church now stands. It was moved in 1853. The (Methodist) church was taken apart in three sections.” Two have survived, she says, “and both are from 1792.”

Nick Lenco and Dr. Norah Mogan also have a home that was previously on the tour but has now been “completely re-done,” Langille says.

The home of Craig and Beth Collins was built in 1928 for one of the original Mersey Paper executives. They also have a “wonderful craftsmen style bungalow” by Fort Point, the Bruce and Melanie Inglis home, which was built in the 1860s, and two houses in the Mill Village area, a Georgian home on Church Square and Murray Kirkpatrick’s house that was once inhabited by some early Black Loyalists, on Old Kettle Road.

The site includes a tombstone denoting that heritage. “His house is just a little tiny Cape built in the 1830s and it’s been totally restored. It’s all post and beam.”

Langille notes Dec. 13 this year is meant for lovers of the holiday season as both the Woodpile Café and Killam Studios are holding open houses in addition to the Queens County Girl’s Choir Chili Supper and Dessert Buffet 5-7 p.m. at Zion United Church.

The $15 tour tickets, which includes the tea, are available at Country Junction and Killam Studio. They can also be reserved by leaving a message at 354-4500.

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