May 20, 2009 to
August 8, 2009

Downtown Springfield

Start Time: Varies

Cost:
General $8.00,
Members $5.00,
Youth $3.00

For more information: www.restorespringfield.org

Springfield Preservation Alliance Summer Walking Tour Series

The Springfield Preservation Alliance is celebrating Springfield's distinct architecture and history with our sixth annual Summer Walking Tour Series. History, design, and local professionals guide each tour, which last one and a half to two hours. Tickets are $8 General/$5 Members/$3 Youth.

Snyder Park • Wednesday, May 20 at 6 pm
Amidst the expansion of industry and population in the late nineteenth century, many citizens throughout Springfield resided in congested and cramped living conditions. John and David Snyder responded by providing land for the city to develop a park with scenic vistas and pastoral charm. Join us as we explore how Snyder Park served as an enclave for recreation and reform. Meet at the Boat House on Broadway Lake. Presented by Glenn and Ann Collier. Rain date Wednesday, May 27 at 6 pm.

Historic East High: Bushnell Era • Saturday, May 23 at 10 am
With the success of the Champion Reaper in the late 19th century, Springfield led the nation in the production of farm machinery. These industrialists’ vast and often newly acquired wealth manifested in opulent mansions along East High Street. Tour with us through this open museum of architecture and enterprise and discover the rich histories of Governor Bushnell, famed publisher W.W. Norton, and more. Meet outside 641 East High Street. Presented by John and Ann Field. Rain date Sunday, May 24 at 1 pm.

Historic East High: Westcott Era • Saturday, May 30 at 10 am
Building on Springfield’s 19th century industrial success, a new generation of entrepreneurs refocused and reinvigorated the local economy well into the 20th century, making this community an exciting and vibrant place to live. Hear the stories of the people whose spirit of innovation and civic responsibility contributed to Springfield’s growth and national prestige. Meet outside the Greek Orthodox Church at 1127 East High Street. Presented by John and Suzanne Turner. Rain date Sunday, May 31 at 1 pm.

Downtown Safari • Saturday, June 13 at 10 am
Join us to explore the hidden treasures of downtown Springfield on this interactive youth tour. From curious monkeys on the Warder Literacy Center to massive eagles on the United States Post Office, we will discover the rich environment that surrounds us and gain an appreciation for what architecture tells us about our community. Meet in the Esplanade at the corner of High and Fountain. Presented by Chris and Meighan Schutte. Rain date Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm.

Downtown Modern • Wednesday, June 17 at 6 pm
In the 1960s and 1970s, a new vision for a vibrant downtown materialized through a series of structures that remain today as an enduring imprint of the modern era in Springfield. Join us as we examine the buildings that redefined the downtown experience, from the elegant minimalism of SOM’s Credit Life Tower to the sleek expressionism of Shaw and Metz’s Key Bank Building. Meet outside 1 South Limestone Street. Presented by Alan Ladd and Jake Studebaker. Rain date Wednesday, June 24 at 6 pm.

Irish Hill • Saturday, June 20 at 10 am
In the 1870s and 1880s, Irish immigrants working in the famed Champion Reaper factories settled this neighborhood, which centered around St. Joseph’s parish. Join us to tour this remarkable district and hear the stories of the ill-fated East Street shops, rowdy taverns, and infamous Skinner Gang. Meet outside St. Joseph’s Church at 819 Kenton Street. Presented by Richard and Joyce Spangler. Rain date Sunday, June 21 at 1 pm.

Historic East High: Bushnell Era • Saturday, June 27 at 10 am
With the success of the Champion Reaper in the late 19th century, Springfield led the nation in the production of farm machinery. These industrialists’ vast and often newly acquired wealth manifested in opulent mansions along East High Street. Tour with us through this open museum of architecture and enterprise and discover the rich histories of Governor Bushnell, famed publisher W.W. Norton, and more. Meet outside 641 East High Street. Presented by John and Ann Field. Rain date Sunday, June 28 at 1 pm.

Downtown as a Work of Art • Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm
At the end of the 19th century, local leaders understood that great architecture was part of their civic duty. With downtown as their canvas, architects painted a streetscape that exemplified Springfield’s past achievements and future aspirations, including Warder Library (1890) and Bushnell Building (1893). Tour through Springfield’s Golden Age of architecture. Meet in the Esplanade at the corner of High and Fountain. Presented by Teresa Demana. Rain date Wednesday, July 15 at 6 pm.

Downtown Modern • Saturday, July 11 at 10 am
In the 1960s and 1970s, a new vision for a vibrant downtown materialized through a series of structures that remain today as an enduring imprint of the modern era in Springfield. Join us as we examine the buildings that redefined the downtown experience, from the elegant minimalism of SOM’s Credit Life Tower to the sleek expressionism of Shaw and Metz’s Key Bank Building. Meet outside 1 South Limestone Street. Presented by Alan Ladd and Jake Studebaker. Rain date Sunday, July 12 at 1 pm.

Historic East High: Westcott Era • Saturday, July 18 at 10 am
Building on Springfield’s 19th century industrial success, a new generation of entrepreneurs refocused and reinvigorated the local economy well into the 20th century, making this community an exciting and vibrant place to live. Hear the stories of the people whose spirit of innovation and civic responsibility contributed to Springfield’s growth and national prestige. Meet outside the Greek Orthodox Church at 1127 East High Street. Presented by John and Suzanne Turner. Rain date Sunday, July 19 at 1 pm.

Beat the Block • Wednesday, July 22 at 6 pm
In the 1940s and 1950s, locals “Beat the Block”, shopping their way around the downtown core. Join us to see the architectural treasures that remain, including the former Wren’s Department Store, Myers Daily Market, and historic State Theatre, and reminisce about those that were tragically lost. Meet outside the Heritage Center’s east entrance, 117 South Fountain Avenue. Presented by Ski and Cheryl Schanher. Rain date Wednesday, July 29 at 6 pm.

Ferncliff Cemetery • Saturday, July 25 at 10 am
Ferncliff Cemetery, covering over 240 acres of rolling hills and pastoral landscape, was platted during the Civil War as Springfield’s new burial ground. Join us to hear the stories of the men and women who built Springfield and discover its history preserved in stone. Meet at the Ferncliff Cemetery Chapel at 501 West McCreight Avenue. Presented by Charles Swaney. Rain date Sunday, July 26 at 1 pm.

South Fountain Historic District • Wednesday, August 5 at 6 pm
Prominent Americans like Oliver S. Kelly, William N. Whitely, and Harry S. Kissell are just part of South Fountain’s storied past. With their success, and that of their neighbors, South Fountain came to be recognized as a premier neighborhood for Springfield’s affluent class. Experience the renaissance of this National Register Historic District. Meet outside First Baptist Church at 638 South Fountain Avenue. Presented by the Rose and Smiddy Families. Rain date Wednesday August 12 at 6 pm.

Snyder Park • Saturday, August 8 at 10 am
Amidst the expansion of industry and population in the late nineteenth century, many citizens throughout Springfield resided in congested and cramped living conditions. John and David Snyder responded by providing land for the city to develop a park with scenic vistas and pastoral charm. Join us as we explore how Snyder Park served as an enclave for recreation and reform. Meet at the Boat House on Broadway Lake. Presented by Glenn and Ann Collier. Rain date Sunday, August 9 at 1 pm.