West Point’s Main Street Association is sponsoring its second Christmas Tour of Homes, Sunday, Dec. 11, from 3-5:30 p.m. Homes in the quaint, historic Court Street District are featured in this year’s tour, as well as the city’s oldest church building, the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, on Broad Street.
The tour begins at the south end of Court Street at the home of Ginni Zepponi, which has long been a destination for antique enthusiasts from the area, as it was home to Malinda Montgomery Antiques for many years. Surviving a fire while Montgomery was still in residence, the c. 1920s cottage, complete with picket fences and climbing rose bushes, has undergone a charming revitalization.
Next on the tour is the barn located on the back corner of the Montgomery property, now home to designer Steve Bengel. The barn, built in 1960 in the Dutch Colonial style, was intended to house the Montgomery’s antique business, but has been the residence of many young couples over the years. Bengel purchased the property four years ago and has transformed it as well as its surrounding garden, turning back the clock 200 years, with antique architectural elements throughout.
Other architecture
An Arts and Crafts bungalow, c. 1910, home to Mayor Scott Ross and his family, is located at the north end of the block and was home also to Jack Cottrell, West Point’s mayor in the early 1900s. Known for their large, open rooms, bungalows make wonderful family homes, and this one has been lovingly maintained and renovated over the years and has had only four owners in its 100 years.
Moving from Court Street to Tournament Street, the Kristy and Shane Alpe cottage is next on the tour. Originally a tiny cottage built in 1910 in the Greek Revival style with touches of Victorian flourishes, including colorful stained glass and detailed railings on the deep front porch, this home has been extended over the years and has undergone a recent renovation.
Next on the tour is the home of Holly and Benny Hitt, two doors down from the Episcopal Church on Broad Street. They purchased the home from the Cox family, descendants of the original owner, A.C. Cox, who owned Cox Drug Store on Commerce Street. This home is a surprise as it unfolds. As the Cox family drug store business grew, so did the original tiny cottage. Flourishes were added over the years as well as additions to the back of the home.
Tour visitors will end their day at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, c. 1886. Singers from West Point’s Mennonite Church will be caroling on the front lawn, and local historian Rufus Ward will educate guests with information about the church as well as a little history about the Episcopal Church in the area. The ladies of the church will host a reception in the church’s Parish Hall.
How to go
Tickets for the event are $20 each at the Growth Alliance Office on Broad Street as well as Petal Pushers, Bits-n-Pieces and Culin-Arts, all located on Commerce Street. They may also be purchased the day of the event at any home for $25 each.
Parking will be available at the Episcopal Church, BancorpSouth, West Side School at the south end of Court Street and along Broad Street. Look for signs.
West Point’s trolley will provide rides between parking areas and homes. For more information, contact the Growth Alliance, a Main Street Organization, at 662-494-5121 or visit westpointms.org.
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