SYCAMORE – Brick is the most substantial of building materials; brick homes are solid and built to last.

Sycamore once was home to a thriving brick manufacturing community along Brickville Road and features many beautiful brick homes. To showcase that history, this year’s Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour, sponsored by the DeKalb County History Center, will highlight homes that are “Built in Brick” on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The tour includes full tours of five spectacular homes plus the historic Chicago & Northwestern Depot, home of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Tour goers also can view the progress on the History Center’s museum campus and tour the current exhibit “Beyond Grandma’s Attic.”

First on the tour, the striking home at 630 W. State St. was built in 1925 for John Henry Loptien, farmer and businessman, son of Claus Loptien who ran the Loptien Blacksmith and Carriage shop on East State Street. The Loptien brothers also ran one of the first automobile dealerships in Sycamore, a mill and an ice business. Although the home has since seen many occupants, current owners Glenn and Jenny Theriault have done a great job of updating the house while also staying in touch with its history. The lovely dark brick exterior, the built-in features throughout, and the many personal touches make this a warm and inviting home.

Next on the tour is the historic C & NW Depot building, now home to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing guidance and funding for DeKalb County’s nonprofit organizations. Built in 1880 for the Sycamore-Cortland-Chicago Railroad, this building underwent a fabulous resurrection in 2012 to once again take its place as the jewel of the community.

Next, we move to the Walter Langlois home at 413 Somonauk St., built in 1900. Langlois was a successful Sycamore realtor and investor, and Langlois’ daughter Doris married well-known Circuit Judge Cassius Poust. This welcoming home, with three floors of spacious living space, contains many family pictures that fit well into the vintage woodwork and design. It even showcases a beautiful stained-glass window that came from the Swedish Lutheran Church that once sat proudly on Somonauk at Charles Street. And current owner Dirk Johnson’s father was a bricklayer.

Just down the block, don’t miss 431 Somonauk St. This home dates from around 1900 and was first built for Mrs. Olive Robinson, widow of DeKalb County judge George S. Robinson. It was also the longtime home of prominent Sycamore attorney Floyd E. Brower. This stately brick home features arched doorways throughout and vintage charm. It has original wall sconces and light fixtures in many rooms as well as original hand-cranked windows. Guests will see four floors, including a renovated basement, third-floor servants’ quarters, and one of the best views of the Pumpkin Parade in town.

Across the street stands the lovely Queen Anne-style mansion at 420 Somonauk St., built around 1880. Though not actually built in brick, it is a perennial favorite and does feature a stunning brick fireplace with a built-in stained-glass window. This home was designed by architect George O. Garnsey and is fondly remembered as the Edwards Photography studio with the larger-than-life Indian statue on the front lawn. Built by the influential former mayor and businessman David Syme, this home has seen many layers of restoration. Current owners Mike and Cecilia Grimson have retained the character of the house in their renovations and have enhanced it with the addition of their art collections from around the world. They also provide a great home for many rescued parrots.

The lovely home at 419 S. Main St. was built in 1925 for Elmore Cooper, owner of Sycamore’s first gas station. His thriving business located on East State Street across from the courthouse allowed him to have this dark brick home constructed. Again, this home contains many clever built-in features and a beautiful fireplace that current owner Wendy Tritt uncovered in recent remodeling. This family is very creative, so you will see amazing artwork from Wendy’s son hung throughout the home.

Tickets for the tour will be available at the DeKalb County History Center, Sweet Earth Gifts, or the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce. Tickets cost $25 each or $40 a pair. Also, the museum is still in need of volunteers to staff the houses. For more information on how to earn a free ticket by giving a little time to help showcase these homes, call 815-895-5762, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or like the center on Facebook.