FAQs

What is the F.Q. Story Historic Neighborhood?

The F.Q. Story Historic Neighborhood was named after the prestigous land-owner of the area in the 1900's - Francis Quarles Story. The district boundary runs from McDowell Rd. south to Roosevelt St. and from Seventh Ave. west to Grand Ave. The Neighborhood consists of 602 homes that were constructed from the late 1920s through the late 1940s. A variety of architectural styles are featured, including Spanish Colonial Revival, English Tudor, Craftsman bungalows and Transitional Ranch.

How many homes will be on the tour?

Ten homes will be featured this year.

Where do I park?

Park on any neighborhood streets with the exception of the 1100 block of Portland, which will be closed to foot traffic only.

Do I need a ticket?

To view the interior of the homes on tour, you must puchase a ticket. However, you're free to roam the sidewalks and vendor areas without a ticket. Tickets are $15 ($14 with non-perishable food donation) and can be purchased the day of the tour (cash or check only) at the Ticket Booth at 11th Ave. & Portland (2 blocks West of 7th Ave)Click here for ticket info.

How does the tour work?

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll be given a small booklet. Use your booklet to enter each of the homes on tour. A host will greet you, marking that you’ve entered the home. Then you can walk through the house at your leisure.

How many people will be there?

The Story Holiday Home Tour typically attracts a few thousand attendees over the course of the two days.

Will it be crowded and will there be lines to get into each home?

Even though every home on tour is numbered, you don’t have to visit the homes in any certain order. So if there is a line at one home, you can always go to the next one and then come back to the home that you skipped. All homes are within 3 blocks of each other between Portland and Latham

Why do homeowners put their homes on tour?

The homeowners of the F.Q. Story Neighborhood want to share the beauty, integrity and distinctiveness of their architectural heritage by opening their homes for you.

What types of food are available for purchase?

There will be a variety of food vendors on Sunday, everything from hot dogs, to tamales & Indian fry bread. The bakers of the neighborhood also make many many sweet surprises that are sold at the cookie house.

What types of gifts are available for purchase?

There is jewelry, antiques, clothing, outdoor decorations and much, much more.

When/where can I see the luminarias?

On Saturday night, the entire tour route along Portland and Latham will be lined with beautiful luminarias.

When/where will the food and gift vendors be?

Food and gift vendors will be along the 1100 block of Portland on Sunday only.

Are restrooms available?

Yes, we have several public restrooms for your convenience

If I prefer not to walk to each home, will transportation be available?

Even though all ten homes are within a few blocks, on Sunday we do have a trolley that will be stopping at all the homes on tour (With the exception of the homes that are on the 1100 block which will only be open for foot traffic).

Can I take pictures inside the homes?

Although most homeowners do not have a problem with picture taking, we would suggest that before you start taking any pictures that you check with the homeowners.

Can I bring my pet?

Keep in mind that there will be many visitors on the day of the tour. If your pet is small and can be carried through the homes, that would be okay. Again we suggest discretion in this. You will see many visitors walking their pets on Sunday through the arts and crafts displays. Possibly have a friend stay with your pet while you are walking through the homes.

Can I bring my children?

Children are welcome as long as they stay with their parents. We ask that they are supervised while touring the homes.

Are the homes wheelchair accessible?

Remember that most homes in Story were built in the 1920’s and 1930’s, some on crawl spaces. Hallways are narrow and rooms are smaller than homes being built today. Most homes can be accessed only by steps. Wheelchairs would just not be able to maneuver in the homes.

Where do the proceeds go?

Proceeds from the Home Tour, the only fundraiser of the year, go to continuing efforts to install period street lighting, supporting historic integrity, hosting community events, publishing our newsletter, maintaining the website, integrating our efforts with other historic neighborhoods and helping spread the word about the vitality of life in a historic community.

What if it rains?

The Tour goes on rain or shine