The 2008 Tour is right around the corner!

Finally, everything is set for the 2008 Tour. Here are all of the details:

Dates: Saturday, November 22, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tickets will be for sale at any decorator or co-sponsor listed below (once they are printed-which should be soon).
Tickets will be $15 if you purchase them in advance, or $20 at the door.
All proceeds will be shared with the Minnesota Ronald McDonald House Charities and Hope Lodge in Minneapolis.

Homes, decorators and sponsors:

Curt and Karen Olmschied—25 Riverside Avenue West, Melrose
Decorated by Lisa’s on Main & Snyder V & S Variety
Co-sponsored by Ernie’s Family Foods
The Olmscheid home celebrates its 100 year birthday this year. One step onto the charming front porch and you’ll want to grab a cup of tea and relax. Many distinctive features include: lead and beveled glass windows, pocket doors, hardwood floors and an engraved, cast-iron corner fireplace. The kitchen faces the river giving the most spectacular view of the sunrise every morning. The house has four bedrooms, 2 full baths, kitchen, dining, living room, parlor, and full basement. The third level is used as a music room to accommodate Curt’s love of electric guitars.
The home was built in 1908. Lamberton, of Lamberton and Engelbeck, owned the house at one time. A “Rooms for Rent” sign was found in the old garage suggesting that it was once used as a boarding house. Rumor has it that Charles Lindberg stayed one night.
Come for a visit. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere. I’ll put on a kettle and make us a cup of tea, and we can have a good chat about quilts, homes, gardens, children, or anything that catches our fancy!

Marit Elliott—207 East First Street North, Melrose
Decorated by Green Briar Gifts & Home Décor
Co-sponsored by State Farm Insurance, Dina Pierskalla
Dave and Marit Elliott purchased this home in 1974. Marit lives in the home with her son Adam. This open interior home was built by Dr. Goehrs in 1909. A unique feature of the house is its front porch: 40 feet wide and 10 feet deep, with its inviting porch swing. The Melrose tornado hit a portion of the house in 1980, taking part of the roof and breaking 23 windows as well as the large cedar tree in the front yard. Afterward, the house was repaired and later remodeled in 1990. Even after remodeling, the house retains its arched room look, its hardwood floors, the large windows and spacious look. The remodeling included adding a deck facing the river and the kitchen was moved from the northeast corner to the southeast corner. For many years it was known as the “Kraker House” because A. Kraker raised his family there. The home was made handicap accessible in 2005 for Adam.

Mollie and Ryan Dusha—30744 Co. Rd. 65, Melrose
Decorated by Fleur d’Leigh Floral & Gifts
Co-sponsored by Commercial Contractors Company of Melrose
The Dusha’s built their home during the summer of 2006. While part of the house was built by Rob Klaphake, a former graduate of Melrose Area High School, the Dusha’s, along with Mollie’s father, did much of the finishing work. It is a three story home with all levels finished. The third story holds one bathroom, two bedrooms, a master suite with bathroom and a bonus room above the garage which is used as a toy and play room. The main floor has a great room, formal dining area, kitchen with breakfast nook and a half bath. The basement has one bathroom and a large family room with a “true” field rock fireplace built by Mollie’s father. The Dusha’s enjoy the convenience of where their home is located, the privacy of country living and spending the summers enjoying their open yard.

Steve and Jan Notch – 28086 385th Street, Freeport
Decorated by Freeport Floral & Gifts
Co-sponsored by Melrose Pharmacy
Jan and Steve purchased their home from Steve’s parents in 1997. The house was built in 1952 by Steve’s grandparents. It originally was a 3 bedroom rambler with a partially finished basement and detached garage. In 2002 Jan and Steve remodeled the basement to add 2 additional bedrooms, family room full bathroom and storage. Then in 2006, a two stall garage was added to the house along with a main floor laundry and bathroom. The original plan was to add a 4 season porch but after much thought, Jan and Steve opted for a covered porch look. Jan and Steve have 3 children, Bethanie, Chris and Amanda.

Dan and Jan Atkinson – 39377 County Road 166, Freeport
Decorated by Centre Floral & Gifts
Co-sponsored by Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union
Season’s Greetings! Welcome to Atkinson Acres. The two-story farmhouse was built in 1974 by Dan’s parents to meet the needs of their growing family. The Atkinson family moved into the home in December of 1988 and began raising their daughters, Megan and Katie, who are now in college. They made only minor cosmetic changes until 1999 when, with the help of St. Rosa Lumber, they began a major renovation that changed the exterior design of the home and created a master suite and a more open floor plan. Since then they have been continually doing projects, with much of the work being completed by Dan and a friend. They enjoy the country setting, entertaining, and spending time together in their country home. Enjoy the tour!