Proud Neighbors Architectural History Walking Tours

Sunday October 21, 2018

Have you ever wondered about the history behind the architecture that gives our town such great character? Join Proud Neighbors docent-led Architectural History Walking Tour of two residential areas and learn more about how our great town has changed, yet saved, distinctive architectural elements. On Sunday, October 21 (rain date Oct 27) enjoy two exterior walking tour routes for $5 per person. Docents provide an enlightened overview of architectural style & history of Collingswood homes.

These tour routes spotlight architectural historical elements in residential areas along Collings Avenues and in Merrick Villa some of which are part of the Collingswood Historic District and on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Spend the afternoon discovering something new about our town and meeting your neighbors!

Each tour segment is 45 minutes long and begins on the hour. Capacity is limited to 15 for each route so reserve early at ProudNeighborsofCollingswood.org. Starting location for the tour along Collings Ave is 500 Collings Avenue - the Collings-Knight Homestead (featured on page 6). Tours begin at noon and 2 p.m. The Bungalow tour begins at 308 Collings Ave and starts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m, then enters through Merrick Villa.  All homes are privately owned and not open to the public.

At noon and 2 p.m. take a tour of home exteriors along Collings Avenue. Starting with the Edward Zane Collings house at 500 Collings where Edward engaged the services of local carpenter John Ireland to construct a late Federal Style home in 1824. The area then evolved with the construction of the Judge John B. Kates residence, an American four-square design, as well as Colonial Revival and stuccoed houses with pantile gabled roofs  and leaded elliptical transom on homes built along Collings Ave in 1900 through 1920.

Discover Collingswood’s hidden bungalow colony at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.  Merrick Villa is a small bungalow colony developed in the 1910s by Howard L. Merrick. It encompasses a one-block section between Bettlewood & Colford Avenues with small lanes such as Maple & Allen. Bungalows primarily of frame & stone construction, express the rustic character within a picturesque resort setting that gives special identity within the Collingswood historic district.

End the day at Devil’s Creek Brewery (1 Powell Lane) to share your tour experience. Participants are responsible for any beverage or merchandise purchases. 

Walking tour participation is $5 per person for both tours.  Purchase your wrist band at www.ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org or at the start of walking tour.  There are no refunds in the case of rain on the original date. In the event of inclement weather on Sunday October 21, please visit ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org for updates on rescheduling.

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood is a 501c3 public charity so donations are tax deductible.  Our mission is to promote awareness about historic preservation in the Collingswood community and work to maintain the historic character of Collingswood.  We invite Collingswood residents to learn more about our group at our Pot Luck Supper on Friday November 2 at 125 Harvard Ave.  E-mail info@ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org  or phone 609-707-3684 for more information.