Known as “Historic Home Tours” during early years of CHPS The Corona Historic Preservation Society reactivated its Historic Home Tour program in 2007 after a ten-year hiatus. We called the event “2007 Vintage Home Tour” and celebrated five beautiful and distinctive homes that were built more than 75 years ago. On a balmy May 12 th , we welcomed over 350 visitors as they discovered the craftmanship and charm of homes built during another era.

     One of the goals of the tour was to educate the public so that they might acquire
a desire to preserve that which remains of Corona’s past glory and that they would be favorably disposed to return for future events.

     Guests were invited to walk through the homes which served as windows to the
past. Visitors saw classic architectural elements, beautiful woodwork, unique windows,
designs and craftsmanship that would be hard to duplicate today. Everyone was encouraged to admire details, the little extras, beautiful furnishings and finish work which remain after nearly a century.

Note: Four of the featured homes were Corona Historic Landmarks. They have been identified by the Planning Commission and the City Council as physical elements of Corona’s historical development that provide the community with its own unique civic identity and character. Requirements for Corona Landmark status: Site must be at least 50 years, have significant historic, cultural or architectural value, and demonstrate authenticity of physical identity as
evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the Landmark’s period of significance.

The Corona Historic Preservation Society plans to continue Vintage Home Tours so visitors can experience both historically and architecturally significant homes that continue to be used after many decades. Please plan to join us at future Vintage Home Tours.

2007 Vintage Home Tour


Tickets were sold at The Gary Residence
aka “The N.C. Hudson House”
1052 East Grand Boulevard

The Sinkovich/Sutton Residence
aka “The Roberts House”
1147 East Grand Boulevard


(L-R) Richard Winn, Mary Winn and Lennie Keesler
welcomed guests and checked tickets.

 


Docent SueAnn Hathaway (wearing a shawl)
assisting a guest in the dining room.

Docents (in black) Trudy Whitaker & Meggie Winn share the
9 foot by 6 foot leaded glass window atop the stairwell.

The living room features the fireplace mantel and
Batchelder tile dotted with Tudor rose designs.

The Land Residence
1128 East Grand Boulevard
Antique automobiles graced most of the homes on display and were
courtesy of Riverside-Corona Model –T Ford Club

Visitors exiting the Land Residence.


Guests and docent Helen Yoshikawa enjoying a relaxing
moment in the living room


Bathroom retains original ambiance
typical of the 1930s era.


The Swift Residence
aka “The Brockman House”
1119 Palm Avenue


A close-up of the well-preserved Craftsman Bungalow built in 1909.


Docent Jean Neumann near the fireplace and
ready to help visitors.


This kitchen retains many original features including
one of many built-in cabinets.


The charming detached, single car garage serves as a workshop.


The interior also houses the owner’s many collections.


The Kane Residence
aka “The Kirkpatrick House”
1124 Palm Avenue


This photograph removes all doubts as to why this street
is named Palm Avenue.


This view towards the dining room shows the plate rail, wainscoating
and light fixture typical of the era.


This bathroom was remodeled in the 20s or 30s to an art deco theme.


Docent Joan Thacker poses next to a Model-T Ford courtesy of
The Riverside-Corona Model-T Ford Club.


The McCullough Residence
aka “The Harmony House”
809 East Grand Boulevard
This “shotgun bungalow” was built between 1924 and 1927. It served
as the Harmony Antiques store for over 20 years
on its original site at 916 West 6 th Street.



Docent Sydney Dever near the tile-faced fireplace and hearth
and timbered mantel in the living room.


The dining room shows off the beautiful hardwood floors and the
checkerboard tile flooring in the kitchen.


The long, narrow kitchen was remodeled and modernized
after the home’s relocation.


Nothing says “vintage” like an original clawfooted
bathtub and hardware.
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Photos courtesty of CHPS official photographer, Akio Yoshikawa

© 2006 - 2009 Corona Historic Preservation Society (CHPS)

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