For the week of July 9 - 15, 2003

Join the Bellevue Historical Home and Garden Tour

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The Bellevue Historical Society and Bellevue Library present a tour of six historic homes and gardens on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This self-guided tour features locations all within easy strolling distance of each other in the heart of Bellevue.

Residences on the tour are:

·  Ken and Sarah Stethem residence (N.C. Larsen).

N.C. Larsen was a successful merchant with a mercantile on Main Street in the 1880s. His daughter, LoRene, was Bellevue City Clerk for many years. This two-story, frame Italianate style home was built by Larsen to accommodate his unmet bride and, according to history, the home was purchased by catalog, with parts shipped out and assembled. It has excellent wood ornamentation, including gingerbread. The one and one-half story barn, made of board and batten, was originally used as a wagon shop, and in the past year has been saved and restructured by the Stethems, retaining the original framing and style.

 

·  Robert and Karen Hawkes residence.

This two-story home was built in the 1880s. The Italianate style is typical to the era and provided a showplace for those who prospered in Bellevue during the westward expansion. The wing of the house has a gable roof that extends to cover a porch with turned columns. The Hawkses have done much to enhance the welcoming feel of this home.

 

·  Teresa Bergin, owner (Bun McNary Cabin).

Said to be the oldest surviving residence in Bellevue, this five-room cabin was completed in 1881. It was home to the McNary family for 80 years. The hand-hewn logs were gathered from local cottonwood and aspen trees. The cabin has v notching, board and batten gables, framed windows and doors. Pediment window and door heads suggest the Greek revival style. Teresa and Joe Bergin purchased the property to make certain it would be preserved and its historic integrity maintained.

 

·  Susan Isaacson residence.

This structure comprises two 1880s Bellevue log cabins moved to this site from nearby lots and joined by new construction by then-owner Steve Abbey. The original hewn interior log walls remain exposed. Flooring, wainscoting and doors were all restored.

 

·  Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rhinehart residence (Nick Werry).

Nick Werry built this one and one-half story hip-roofed bungalow in 1908 for $1,200. He then spent $600 remodeling it in 1918. The home has numerous shed dormers, a glassed-in sun porch, tall brick chimney and shake roof. A square gabled bay extends to the right and a pentagonal bay with a hip roof extends to the left, and the house has shiplap siding. The Rhineharts have taken care to preserve the home and made much of an old-time lot to cultivate a charming garden

 

·  John and Janet Barton residence.

This Queen Anne cottage was built slightly after the turn of the century, somewhat after Blaine County was created (1890). The features include a flared-hipped roof and outset, and left-of-center bay windows. The Bartons put much effort into restoring this little home, and the end result is evidence of what can be done to save such historic structures.

 

Parking for the event is available at Bellevue City Park, at Bellevue Library and City Hall, and the Post Office. Please be prepared remove your shoes at any home.

Tickets in the form of a brochure are $15 and are available at Bellevue Library, Glenn’s Grocery, and, on the morning of the event, are also available at the Old City Hall Museum and The Valley Market. For more information or tickets call Teresa at 788-4013 or Melanie at 788-3628.

Proceeds will benefit the Bellevue Historical Society and Bellevue Library.

 

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