Taking people back in time

If a person pays attention, Monroe is filled with keen reminders of days past. From the metal loops affixed to the downtown pavement for securing a horse or two while shopping, to its collection of historic homes and churches, the city exudes its history. 

Now, the Monroe Historical Society is shining a spotlight on that history, with its first historic homes tour in 26 years. The self-guided tour takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and admission is $10. The tour showcases six historic homes, two churches and the 1908 Monroe City Hall building, which is home to the Monroe Historical Society museum. All proceeds from the event will support the Monroe Historical Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Monroe by making it freely accessible to the public. 

The Monroe Historical Society hosts quarterly fundraiser events each year, highlighting unique aspects of Monroe’s history. Recent events have included honoring its World War II veterans and recognizing its longtime newspaper, the Monroe Monitor and Valley News.

“The event is a fundraiser for the society, with all proceeds going to maintain the museum and keep it operating as a free attraction and resource in the community,” said Monroe Historical Society president Tami Kinney. “The tour replaces the society’s quarterly program for fall.”

The goal of the tour is to bring Monroe’s history to life by featuring century-old structures and highlighting the homeowners dedicated to restoring and preserving them. 

The Healy House on Hill Street, built by Bartholomew Healy in 1909, is just one of the homes that will be featured on the tour. His daughter, Minerva, a pillar in the Monroe community, lived at the home from the time she was 6 years old until her death in 1997 at 94. Current homeowner Marlene Gregson has worked to preserve the home’s vibrant history and has found it to be a living treasure chest filled with remnants of Minerva’s life.  

During recent restoration efforts, Gregson uncovered historical artifacts belonging to Minerva that had been tucked away inside a wall, including a hat, a composition book and letters.

In addition to the Healy House, the tour includes the Harniss House, the Victorian Wolfe House, two historic homes on Blakeley Street and a 1920 home on Lewis Street. The tour starts at the 1908 Monroe City Hall building, 207 E Main St., in downtown Monroe. Refreshments will be served. 

“Most of the homeowners will be at their homes during the tour to answer questions about their restoration efforts,” Kinney wrote in the historical society’s October newsletter. “Let’s show them how much we appreciate their stewardship of these local treasures!”

For more information about the Monroe Historical Society, visit www.monroehistoricalsociety.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance at brownpapertickets.com/event/2676625.