Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

The Northeast Kansas City Historical Society (NEKCHS) annual Fall Homes Tour will feature six homes and a church located in the Independence Plaza neighborhood during its Saturday, Oct. 11 event.
Each home, as well as Independence Boulevard Christian Church (IBCC), is more than a century old and in different stages of restoration. Built between the years 1887 and 1901, these homes showcase a variety of architectural styles including Craftsman, Italianate and folk, stick and Eastlake Victorian.
Seth Jones, NEKCHS vice-president, said during an interview that visitors will be “surprised by the houses this year” and that additional activities await ticket holders as the homes this year are smaller family homes instead of mansions.

Each home will feature a vintage car on display and quilt blocks painted for Independence Plaza’s “Quilt Trail” will be completed and installed. Hot drinks and pastries will be available for purchase at the Eleos coffee truck.

Independence Boulevard Christian Church (606 Gladstone) in the Beaux Arts architectural style, is this year’s featured church. Northeast News file photo from 1970.

IBCC will host its annual Harvest Fest featuring food and crafts during the tour and other artists and vendors will showcase unique items available for purchase.

Each tour location is within walking distance of each other and contained within the east Sixth and Seventh street blocks between Benton and Gladstone boulevards.

Jones stated he is excited for this year’s tour and that his own home will be featured. Tour guests will be welcome to visit his chickens and he plans to have popcorn on hand for those who wish to give his pet pig, Rosie, a special treat.

Tickets are now on sale online at www.nekchs.org until Oct. 10 for $25. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event at 3007 E. Seventh St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $30. A limited number of posters featuring this year’s tour homes will also be available.