Sharon To Walk Through Architectural History

Sunday, people will walk through six of Sharon's architectural gems over a four-hour window.

From an Underground Railroad stop to a , the House Tour 2011 encompasses a variety of building styles -- and a few steps into Sharon's history books.

The fundraiser spans from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20, which gets the guest into all six private homes. Each ticket includes a map. The proceeds benefit the historical society.

The historical society runs the fundraiser periodically, member David Nelson says.

Last year's self-guided tour drew more than 100 guests, and was "so popular, and people liked it so much, we thought we should do another one," Nelson says.

This year's tour stops are:

• 247 South Main St., which "has a hiding room believed to have been used as a stop on the Underground Railroad before and during the Civil War," the ticket says.
• 38 and 40 Massapoag Ave., both of which are Kafka family residences.
• 4 Mann's Hill Crescent, which features "green technology," according to the ticket.
• 52 Upland Road, which was formerly owned by Sharon garden expert Emily Parcher, according to the ticket.
• 36 Pleasant St., which was featured on MTV's "Extreme Cribs" last month.

The homes are about one-quarter to one-half mile apart, Nelson says.

Guests can choose the homes they visit, and the order of those visits, he says.

The Steampunk home is the only returnee from last year, Nelson says.

"They've done more stuff, and people really love seeing that," he says.

"And there are some people who didn't see it last year."

Historical society members Jean Santos and Gary Sullivan organized the tour.

Homeowners agreed to open their residences for this fundraiser, Nelson says.

Historical society volunteers will serve as hosts and hostesses at each home, he says. Homeowners typically are home to greet guests as well.

The homes' bathrooms are off-limits.

The historical society's museum at 16 High St. will be open for this purpose, Nelson says. Refreshments will be served as well.