Candlelight tour of homes set for Sat.

The Lincoln County Historical Society's "Candlelight Tour of Homes" will be held Saturday, December 8, from 6 until 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office or at the Groves-May House the night of the event. Pictured is the home of Michelle and Lee Moss, which is one of the stops on the tour.

Sponsored by the Lincoln County Historical Society, the Candlelight Tour of Homes is set for Saturday, December 8, from 6 until 9 p.m.

All of the homes on the tour will be decorated for the holidays, with plenty of wreaths, lights, bows, and garlands.

Tickets are $10 each for adults and $5 for students ages 13-17, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Blanchard House at 112 N. Washington Street, or at the Groves-May House on Lumber Street the night of the tour.

Guests are reminded that they do not have to visit the homes in the order printed on the tickets. Also, maps will be available at the Groves-May House.

According to Jamie Reese, tour coordinator for the historical society, "The tour promises to be exceptional this year. We hope everyone will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and charm of the holiday season. The tour will also offer participants a variety of fresh and unique decorating ideas."

The following homes will be on this year's tour:

.. The Groves-May House - Lumber Street.

Built in the 1870s by one of Lincolnton's earliest doctors, the Groves-May House was purchased by the historical society in 1987. It now serves as the focal point of the Lincoln County Historical Park.

With the period furnishings and all of the rooms decked out for the holidays, visitors to the historic home will get a vivid glimpse of Christmases past.

.. The home of Nancy Lovelady - 111 Humphrey Street.

Although it is only two years old, this two-story home reflects the graceful way of life that was prevalent 100 years ago.

Visitors to the house will find an intricate blend of both the old and the new - especially the old. In the study, there is a solid, oak desk that belonged to Lovelady's father, the late George Leverett, Jr., president of Farmers State Bank. Moreover, the desk chair was used by members of the Farmers State Bank's board of directors when the bank was located where Lincolnton City Hall now stands. Also, the moire drapes in one of the bedrooms originally hung in the library of the historic Elm Street house formerly owned by the late Racy Smith.

And on the grounds of the Lovelady residence is another family treasure - the yard bell that stood between Sudie Sims' home and her store on Chamberlain's Ferry Road. Sims was Lovelady's aunt.

This is a home which celebrates the warmth of family and friends.

.. The home of Myrtle Belangia - 186 School Street.

Built in 1941 specifically for a newlywed couple, this wooden house consisted of only four rooms and was located on the Elberton Highway. In later years, the structure was moved to School Street and additions were made. One of the unique architectural features of the house is the fireplace mantle, which came from the homeplace of the late George Leverett, Sr.

The whimsical, old-fashioned decorations in this house are sure to take visitors back to days gone by.

.. The home of Lee and Michelle Moss - 669 Wallace-Wells Circle.

The 33-year-old ranch-style home has been totally renovated and now features a guest house as well as a Jacuzzi.

The Moss home is also filled with antiques. The couple has been collecting antiques for the past 26 years and are the proud owners of a grand piano from the Nash Estate, a beautiful walnut breakfront, a solid oak spool chest, and a 200-year-old pine quilt chest that came to Lincolnton from Fauquier County, Virginia, in 1790 in a covered wagon. The chest belonged to Mr. Moss' great-greatgreat great-grandparents, David Glaze and Susanna Norman Glaze.

Guests will likewise enjoy the Rias chard Worth paintings that adorn the walls of the house.

This is a home that is full of the friendly comforts, sights, and sounds of the season.

.. The home of Gene and Robin Sutton - 3885 Highway 220 East.

This beautiful, contemporary residence, the newest house on the tour, is situated on 35 acres of land in the Double Branches Community and exudes tranquillity.

The pitches in the roof line as well as the numerous arches add to the house's unique flavor.

This is a home where new friends will feel as relaxed as family.

.. The home of Charles and Josephine Thornton - 4562 Augusta Highway.

Built in 1968, this is a wonderful, traditional brick home.

During the tour, guests may enjoy 10 meticulously decorated Christmas trees stationed throughout the house, the timelessness of a Colonial Christmas Village, a quaint Williamsburg Christmas Village, and a bustling "Christmas in the City" display.

It is a house truly filled to the brim with holiday spirit.

For more information about the Candlelight Tour of Homes, contact the chamber of commerce at 1-706- 359-7970.