Proceeds from the Old Town House and Garden Tour will go toward the rehabilitation of the historic Swan Hotel at the corner of South Queen and Vine Streets. Photo Courtesy Lancaster Newspapers All of the homes within the Old Town district had once been condemned and were ready to be razed, Mummert said. Due to an urban renewal effort in the 1970s, the area was transformed from a doomed slum to an enchanting neighborhood.
"It has something for everyone," Mummert said. "Every home is different inside. From contemporary to traditional. Elaborate to simple in nature.
"And the gardens are beautiful."
Perhaps the most eye-catching garden belonged to artist Shirlie O'Leary at 33 Washington St.
From her spider-web-inspired garden gate and painted concrete alley to the winding, hand-placed brick path, O'Leary's creative and delicate eye for beauty consumed her shady garden.
Many of the gardens in the tour fit into the neighborhood like puzzle pieces, yet each offered a comforting and relaxing escape. The garden at 114 John Hoff Place sported an exquisite swimming pool and patio area behind the 1908 row house.
The tour, which ran from noon to 5 p.m., brought out such a large audience that tour committee members had to print close to 500 tickets, with several guests at each spot at the same time.
"It was nonstop for three hours and 15 minutes," homeowner Dan Graybill said. "I'm exhausted."
Graybill, along with his family, believed the large turnout was a result of less vacationing. Instead of planning big trips, many people are opting for smaller excursions, like the tour.
Sidestepping the crowds, Howie and Vicki Supnik of Lititz wound their way through the picturesque walk around 4 p.m.
"This whole neighborhood - I never even knew it existed," Vicki Supnik said.
Seeing an ad for the tour in a local shop, the Supniks decided to venture through the ornate display.
"It's great to see the pride in homes and gardens," Howie Supnik said.
"They're beautiful," Vicki Supnik agreed. "It doesn't take much, if you know what to do."
The tour also featured refreshments from McCaskey student Melquis Reyes, who will be attending Johnson & Wales University this fall, and artwork from Pennsylvania College of Art & Design junior Laura Loose.
Reyes, who earned a half-tuition scholarship at the culinary school, was accepting donations to help cover the rest of his college costs. He learned of the fundraising opportunity from SACA employee and FivePoints homeowner Sandra Granthon.
A large portion of the money raised from the tour will be put toward the renovation of the Swan Hotel on Queen Street by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.
The hotel has been shut down for a number of decades, but the trust hopes to have it up and running by the time the Lancaster County Convention Center is completed.
"By the end of the summer we're hoping to start exterior restoration," said Ben Leech, the preservation and cultural heritage planner from Community Heritage Partners.
"It's right in the neighborhood - what better way to help," Mummert said. "In the end, we're going to reap the rewards. Part of what we're doing is selling the city."
