Get taste of Iowa City history at Parade of Historic Homes

By Alison Gowans, The Gazette

Friends of Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Lucas Farms Neighborhood Association and the Johnson County Historical Society, will hold the ninth annual Parade of Historic Homes in Iowa City's Kirkwood and Summit neighborhood from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (5/29).

This year's tour will feature classic Italianate, Queen Anne, Victorian, and craftsman homes and will coincide with the opening of Plum Grove, the home of territorial governor Robert Lucas, and with the Lucas Farms History Days.

Homes on the parade include 513 S. Summit St., 740 Kirkwood Ave., 820 Kirkwood Ave., 829 Kirkwood Ave., 830 Walnut St. and Plum Grove, 1030 Carroll St., as well as a historically recreated garden at 1107 Marcy St. and a wine tasting sponsored by John's Grocery at 811 Florence St. on the site of a former family vineyard also will be included.

Lucas Farms History Days events include a free walking tour of the neighborhood, bounce houses and pony rides in the parking lot of Assembly of God Church and a vintage car show at Mark Twain School. A shuttle provided by the City of Iowa City will provide transportation around the neighborhood. Plum Grove events include a Civil War band and an Abe Lincoln impersonator.

Tickets are $10 for members of Friends of Historic Preservation and $15 for non-members; children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the Salvage Barn, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, at ic-fhp.org or at any of the homes on the day of the parade. Tour proceeds support Friends of Historic Preservation. For more information visit ic-fhp.org.