Sat., Nov 15, "Homes for the Holidays" Tour of Six Homes sponsored by Thursday Morning Club to benefit Madison Community House

The Thursday Morning Club’s Homes for the Holidays House Tour will return this year; showcasing six homes in the Madison and Morris Township area from 10 a.m. to 4 pm, Saturday, Nov 15. The club’s largest fundraiser will benefit the Madison Community House owned and operated by the Thursday Morning Club.

“The homes on our tour will provide a unique mix of architectural styles, “tour chairwoman Susan Packie promised. “We do not share addresses until the day of the tour; but a few of the descriptions will give you a sense of the distinctive nature of the homes.” she added.

Two of the Victorian homes on the tour have historical significance in Madison. “With the help of Mark Hewitt, the homeowners of a Carpenter Gothic have stayed true to its origins in their renovations,” commented Peggy Philp, the club’s Ways and Means Chairwoman. “Careful preservation efforts have also been lavished on the other Victorian in the Queen Anne style. This home is included in a book on building designs typical of the mail-order plans in the 1890’s,” Philp noted. “The large first floor windows designed to let in a lot of natural light also provide a beautiful view of the gardens that suggest a park-like setting.”

Another house on the tour, a Colonial built in 1929, was recently expanded to include a spacious gourmet kitchen with an open concept dining and living area. A laundry room, master bedroom and bath were added to the second floor. “The remodeling plans by Siegel Architects will be available for viewing,” said club member Bernie Grohol, who helped to arrange access to most of the homes on the tour.

A more contemporary mode is reflected in three of the dwellings on the tour--a Colonial, a townhouse, and a “green and sustainable” home.

“Antiques reside alongside more modern pieces enhancing the elegance of the craftsman-style mansion with a center hall “butterfly staircase,” said club member Claire Burling, who along with Mary Jane Burns are in charge of decorations.

In the remodeling of the three-story stately town home, a elevator takes you from the great room on the lower floor to the sitting room with fireplace in the master suite on the top floor,” Burns said.

As for the “green” home, “The homeowners, an architect and an artist, have created a stunning and ingenuous energy-saving residence,” remarked Kathy Clark, who is working on the brochures for the tour. “The display of their art enhances the individuality of this environmentally friendly home,” she observed. “An exhibit in the dining room will explain some of the ‘green’ innovations.”

On the day of the House Tour, the Thursday Morning Club’s Madison Community House at 25 Cook Ave will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a restaurant raffle, the sale of fashion and jewelry by Patchpoint, baked goods from “La Patisserie” and gift items made by members.

Complimentary coffee will be served from 9 to 11 a.m. The club’s catering department will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an additional cost of $15. Tickets for the house tour are $45 each and are available on Nov 15 at the Madison Community House. For information, call (973) 966-6815 or email susan.packie@gmail.com.

The Thursday Morning Club is a member of the National and General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Photo: from left: Claire Burling, Peggy Oakes, Rose Mary Dinnhaupt, Mary Jane Burns, Sylvia Luber