Through Their Eyes Docents at the Cedar Key Historical Society were recently acknowledged for the hours they donate to the museum.
Eighteen of the docents gathered for a luncheon at Annie's Restaurant, which was followed by a tour of three homes in the Historic District. Emily Lukehart, with the assistance of Sarah Cardona, organized the special tour.
Driving to the homes in multi-seated golf carts from the Gulf Cart Company, three groups of docents rotated through the homes. They were greeted by Nancy Tonnelier, owner of the Ira Gore House on the corner of Second and F Street. This home was built around 1888 for Ira J. Gore, editor and owner of the Florida State Journal, a weekly newspaper. The house is an example of temple form classical revival. Building materials are entirely cypress and heart pine with balloon framing typical of the era. Of particular interest and beauty were the four fireplaces and a piano dating from 1908. Views from the many windows looking out to the Gulf were spectacular in this bright and sunny home. Attention to authentic detail was apparent in the owners' choice of things like antique bathroom fixtures. Nancy and Tom Tonnelier purchased the home in 1998 and have done an extensive and sympathetic restoration. The Hale-Johnson House at the corner of Fourth and F Street was originally a one story built in 1880 by William Henry Hale, Sr. a local builder, tax assessor and merchant. George Sresovich purchased the home in 1998 and completed the renovation which included a kitchen, porches, and bathrooms. This home is an example of the Italianate Revival style, and Anne Miller conducted the tour. One of the outstanding features of the home is the widow's walk which was added when Don Kay of Ocala purchased the house in 1985. The interior staircases and stain glass windows add to the overall beauty. A most unusual room is located on the second floor, called the Children's Room. Entered via an oval shaped three foot high opening, one must bend over to enter the bedroom filled with vintage toys and Barbie dolls. It brought to mind Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hatch. George's deep love of Christmas was evident in the spectacular ceiling-high dec-orated Christmas tree, adored with special ornaments.
At the previously named White Hotel on Second Street, the docents were greeted by owner, Bob Witman. The Hotel was built somewhere between 1885 and 1890 by the Railroad Development Company to house train workers who needed a place to spend the night during a layover. The hotel consisted of two buildings, the main house on the west side of the property and an annex on the east. Joy and Bob Witman purchased the annex from long-time Cedar Key resident, Harriet Whiddon, in 1973. The house required a major renovation, but as much of the old house as possible was left intact. Many of the window panes are the original blown glass and some of the balusters in the railings as well as corner porch roof decorations are original. Mr. Witman related that the annex, which consisted of six bedrooms, was used to house Peace Corp students for sleeping and the students dined with local families for meals. A focal point on the second floor was a unique double fireplace, which had been hidden with a wall of plaster. In addition to the tour, the group was given explanations on the wonderful art throughout the house.
During an enjoyable afternoon, the docents appreciated the warm hospitality and were able to see these distinctive historic homes through their eyes. |
