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James-Lorah Home, Doylestown historical society partner for tours

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Two Doylestown historical sites have partnered for a seasonal Main Street outdoor guided walking tour, connecting ancestors, architecture and history to the James-Lorah Memorial Home with the Doylestown Historical Society.
History and architecture is viewed along the way of the Main Street walking tour to the stately James-Lorah Memorial Home with Victorian holiday décor at the close of the guided stroll. Viewers are greeted by joyous docents in the home filled with holiday spirit who impress upon them that it is the first time in two years that the home wears decorations, the reason for their cheerfulness. The pandemic may have put a dent in everyone’s lifestyle in the past, but that is on the wane now.
From one end of town to the other, history abounds. The escorted tour begins at the Doylestown Historical Society Magill House. The 1895 Maguire Mansion, now the Paper Unicorn, Doylestown Bookshop, formerly Musselman’s Department Store, the 1890 Fountain House with cobbled front, now Starbuck’s, the tiny not-to-be-missed Cigar Shop, the 1858 Greek Temple which houses a restaurant, the 1902 Firehouse, the original 1876 Intelligencer Building, the War Memorial, Doylestown Courthouse, the Connelly Building VIA offices, Charles Meredith House, and the Plaza Building all stand like sentinels waiting to greet onlookers.

Once the World War I Memorial is spotted directly across from the 17-room mansion, James-Lorah House, with its transitional architecture characterized by distinctive eyebrow windows, the realization occurs that the best-kept secret in Doylestown has been reached, bringing an end to a pleasant and leisurely walk.
Upon entering the warmth of the stately home, you are in for a holiday treat, a veritable feast for the eyes. Christmas trees in the parlor and dining rooms wait along with a beautifully trimmed banister that leads to the 144-year, old Schwartzlander dollhouse upstairs. The master bedroom with original furniture and carpeting, and authentic Victorian doll collection wait to delight the eye. All of these authentic treasures throughout the house are from the Victorian era.
Tours are offered at 1 p.m. Dec. 8, 10 and 17, and 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets cost $15. Unavailable at the door, they can be purchased online via EventBrite. For information call 215-345-9430.


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