2017 Historic Home Tour

The David Enoch Beem House, also known as Beem Mansion or The Hill, at 635 West Hillside Avenue in Spencer will be one of two homes on the Owen County Preservations Home Tour Sunday May 7th. The Beem Mansion was added to the national registry of historical places July 13, 1989. The 1850s Italianate architectural style house was completed in 1874. Current owner, Dr. William M Dugan Jr., purchased the house in 1985 and the house underwent restoration soon afterward including restoring the tower. The now fully restored house and grounds are maintained by care taker Mike Bruner. The house’s style of architecture borrows heavily from France and is marked by mansard roofs, which are steeply sloping roofs punctuated with windows, and asymmetry. The large two story T-plan brick dwelling sits on a rusticated Indiana limestone foundation with arched openings framed in limestone.

At the time of the Beem Mansion’s construction the architect, who also built another home on south Pottersville Road, was said to communicate between the two home using mirrors as both homes where at the highest points in the area.

The second home on the tour is located at 385 North Main Street in Spencer, the Fowler-Thomas home. Current owners, Craig and Sherry Thomas, are opening this fine example of a Victorian form house. Built in 1903 this home is a wonderful mix of Spencer stone and many outstanding architectural features including curved porch and second story terrace.

Owen County Preservations is excited to offer guests the opportunity to tour these historic home. The 2017 Historic Home Tour is on Sunday May 7th from 2pm to 5pm. The two homes on the tour may be viewed in any order, but guests are advised to be patience as there will likely be a wait for tours. Guests are asked to park at Stellos to tour the Beem Mansion and for those that cannot walk the driveway to the home golf carts transportation will be provided.

The 2017 Historic Home Tour is $10/person for OCP members or $15/person for nonmembers. A special pricing of $30 will include a one year membership to OCP and single Historic Home Tour Ticket. Tickets, which also serve at as the home tour guide, may be purchased in advance at the Tivoli Theatre Saturday May 6th between 1:00-4:00p or at the Tivoli on the day of the event Sunday May 7th from 1:00-4:00p. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.spencertivoli.org/tickets, guests must bring online confirmation printout to the Tivoli to receive the Home Tour Guide.

So, come on out, take the tour, see two beautiful homes, and take advantage of the opportunity to be among people showing support for these amazing structures, right here in the Spencer.