Lafayette Square Parlor Tour 2024

2 | Lafayette Square Parlor Tour | 2024 Welcome... Welcome to the 2024 Lafayette Square Holiday House Tour! It was 46 years ago – December 1978 – when we held our first Lafayette Square Holiday Tour (back then: the “Christmas Tour”).There had already been nine years of our very successful Spring House Tour by then, which led to the idea of also holding what became our Holiday Tour each December. Our Holiday Tour is a treasured day on the annual calendar for thousands of visitors from our metropolitan area and beyond. Our Holiday Tour continues to be an opportunity for neighbors who are eager to welcome visitors into their festively decorated homes: homes that have been lovingly and carefully restored or rebuilt as well as some that are of more recent vintage.Three of the homes on tour were built in the 21st century but, as our historic codes require, the architecture of each is a beautiful reflection of their 19th century neighbors. Of course, in addition to touring each of these homes, please take the opportunity to enjoy a walk in Lafayette Park and visit the Holiday Market as well as the great shops and restaurants throughout the neighborhood.While walking around our neighborhood and strolling through each of these 11 homes on tour, you will be spending time in the present but with echoes of past holiday seasons in the air.The architecture, interior designs, and the remarkable holiday decorations are what create a unique 19th century holiday atmosphere. As you can see from the information on each of these homes, some of them are where successive owners over 150 years have hosted families and friends for holiday celebrations. Of course, that includes the excitement that children find at this time of year. Some of the history and the bygone voices in these houses have come down to us. I have a copy of a “Letter to Santa” published in the December 21, 1887, St. Louis Post-Dispatch that was submitted by a little boy who lived in my house on Missouri Avenue. His letter – addressed to:“DEAR OLD SANTA CLAUS” – let Santa know that if Santa would “promise you will bring me some pets and toys I will be happy.”We can’t be sure, but we think Santa may have delivered some happiness. Our Holiday Tour is an event that relies on the talents and hard work of numerous residents of Lafayette Square.Those dedicated neighbors as well as the homeowners and docents who will greet you today are delighted you have chosen to spend this time with us. So, thank you for coming to visit us and...enjoy. Happy Holidays to all! Vincent T.Volpe President, 2025 Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association