PIQUA, OH – This weekend, the streets of the Piqua-Caldwell Historic District will be abuzz with the holiday spirit. Over 25 tourists are forecasted to visit the annual Holiday Home Tour, hosted by the Piqua-Caldwell Historic District Committee for Preservation of Community Character and Zoning Regulations (PCHDCPCCZR). The event will be taking place on Saturday from 5-8pm, with the homes being within walking distance for self-guided tour groups. Here’s a preview of some of the most anticipated houses on the tour:
321 N Downing Street
Built in 1894, this charming tiny house was the home of William Beddingford, a prominent businessman in Piqua. While the home only has two bedrooms, the transom windows and wood-burning stove makes visitors feel they’ve traveled back to a simpler time. Keep an eye out for the phone nook, where Beddingford placed the first-ever phone call in Miami County.
219 W Ash Street
While this home has seen better days, the historical significance of this home makes it a sight to see. This terracotta construction was built in 1855 and features ornate ceiling medallions throughout the property. This is also the first building constructed in the newly formed town of Rossville, the first free-black settlement in the Miami Valley, making this a significant piece of black history in the United States.
301 W Greene St
Built in 1889, this home was one of the first in Ohio to utilize a light wood-frame construction. Many of the historic features of this property have gone into disrepair, but the space is now being used by local entrepreneurs to conduct business and exchange locally-sourced goods to shoppers in Piqua. Be sure to bring cash, as these local businessmen are not allowed to take credit cards.
510 N Wayne St
Ah, this one looks okay! Built in 1902, this Tudor style home features many of the historical touches one would expect of a home built in this time. Our interns noted a strong smell of baking soda and ammonia when visiting this residence, so remember to bring a face mask when stopping through.
512 Caldwell St
Agh, Jesus Christ. This one is just a trap house, there’s no way we can spin this one in some way to make it sound like it’s worth visiting. It honestly might be best for your health and safety to skip the home tour all together.
