The theme of the 2016 Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour is “Restoration.”

There have been some wonderful public restorations and renovations recently in Sycamore: the Ward Hotel, the Fargo Hotel, the C&NW Depot, and the Townsend Carriage House – now Resource Bank. This year’s house walk will celebrate some of the historic homes of Sycamore that have been lovingly restored by dedicated owners.

The home at 631 W. State St., originally the home of Sycamore mayor J.D. Beckler, had fallen into serious disrepair. Now, the hardwood floors, leaded glass windows and original fireplace have been brought back to their original splendor by its recent owners.

The first home of Gen. E.F. Dutton in Sycamore, at 118 Center Cross St., once served as the local headquarters for Benjamin Harrison’s presidential election campaign. This house had long been cut up into apartments, but was restored by John and Deb Swedberg. The current owner is excited to show off this lovely home, now a stunning single-family dwelling. Don’t miss the elegant staircases and original fireplaces.

The Henry Stark home at 625 DeKalb Ave. had fallen into such bad condition that many thought it should be torn down. Thankfully, the current owners saw its potential. The Ruff family is continuing to restore this gem, work that is never quite done in a historic home. It is a comfortable, welcoming home, now updated to fit a modern family.

The lovely Queen Anne-style mansion at 420 Somonauk St., a perennial favorite, was designed by architect George O. Garnsey and is fondly remembered as the Edwards Photography studio with the larger-than-life Indian statue that was on the front lawn. Built by the influential former mayor and businessman David Syme, this home has seen many layers of restoration. The house had shag carpet, even on some walls, when the current residents, Mike and Cecilia Grimson, bought it. They have retained the character of the house in their renovations and have enhanced it with the addition of their collection of art from around the world.

Margaret Baack is perhaps Sycamore’s most well-known home restorer. The home at 813 Somonauk St., known as the Dr. Olin Smith residence (Sycamore’s first dentist), regained its majesty under Margaret’s deft hand. The current owners, the Schoenburgs, have made the most of this home, even adding a “Small Library” with a bench out front to invite visitors to sit and read in the shade. Visitors won’t want to leave the lovely kitchen added on to the rear of the home.

Built in the late 1880s by H. H. Coleman, the home at 520 S. Main St., may not look spectacular on the outside (yet), but entering the home is like stepping back in time. The many collections create the feel of a different era. Again, bringing this home back from being made into apartments has created some unique spaces in a gracious, comfortable home.

The last restoration is headquarters for the tour – the Engh Farm and Sycamore History Museum. Don’t miss the award-winning “Faces of Sycamore” exhibit, which is included as part of the tour.

Tickets for the tour cost $25 per person or $40 per couple. Tickets are available at the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St., Sweet Earth Gifts, or the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested in volunteering and earning a free ticket, should contact the Sycamore History Museum at 815-895-5762.