Third Saturday means open historic homes
Pontiac and Livingston County history buffs will have an opportunity to look at pieces of life in Pontiac from the the 19th to the mid 20th Century. The three Pontiac House Museums will be open for free public tours from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday. With tours given by Livingston County Historical Society volunteers, visitors can glimpse life in an earlier, simpler time. Each of the houses gives a somewhat different look for visitors to enjoy.
The Jones House at 314 E. Madison St. is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was only the second brick home built in Pontiac. Dating from 1857, a multi-year restoration project restored the structure to its original appearance. Since then it has been furnished with a variety of donated objects . Each month volunteers select one subject and feature a display of those articles. This month aprons will be in the spotlight. An item essential to homemakers of the era many were of course homemade and very unique and personalized.
The Catherine V. Yost House and Museum at 298 W. Water St. was built, owned and occupied by prominent Pontiac attorney Zoath Freeman Yost and his children. In 1988, his last surviving child, John Paul Yost, donated the house — along with all of its contents — to the city as a museum to honor his sister Catherine, a very prolific painter. As such, many of her paintings are featured throughout the home. In fact, volunteers recently brought out some works that have not been displayed previously.
Catherine traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe and she painted wherever she went. However, while there are scenes she painted from throughout the many countries she visited, she had a definite love of her hometown and many of her works are of Pontiac landmarks and rural areas nearby.
Also, selected Pontiac Grade School children have had one of their paintings displayed in the home as well.
Before or after the indoor tour take a stroll around outdoors. The home's outdoor gardens have been enhanced this summer by The Master Gardeners who have planted new Heirloom Varieties of plants and added a number of classic varieties of edible plants. Produce from which will be donated locally.
The Jason Strevell House at 401 W. Livingston St. is the latest addition to the city's House Museums. Owned in 1860 by Pontiac attorney Jason Strevell, he hosted his friend and fellow attorney Abraham Lincoln for several hours one winter evening as Lincoln awaited a train for a return trip to Springfield.
A topic of conversation was reportedly the gathering movement that Lincoln run for president, which Strevell very much encouraged. It is believed to be the last existing home visited by Lincoln in Pontiac.
Since it's renovation part of the home is furnished in mid 19th décor and part is a large meeting and exhibit room. The room was just refurnished with an exhibit of paintings by prominent Pontiac painter Harold Cunningham. Many of his topics were local and visitors will recognize many of his scenes.
All tours are free, no pre-registration is required there is free on street parking available near each home.
Livingston County Historical Society
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Third Saturday means open historic homes
