a bit of hops history
Since its founding in 1980, HOPS, a non-profit volunteer organization, has been dedicated to the heritage education of the Ocala community and the preservation of historic structures and sites in the Ocala Historic Districts. The projects and programs that HOPS has contributed to are too numerous to mention individually but include such efforts as the downtown gazebo, restoring the Snowden House, contributing to the refurbishment of the First Presbyterian Church steeple and the Fort King Reconstruction project, to mention only a few. Such projects are funded primarily by tour proceeds and donations from citizens and businesses. “Ocala has one of the largest historic districts in the state of Florida; there are 300 contributing structures in a 55-square-block area,” notes Brian Stoothoff, HOPS’ president. “The Ocala Historic District encompasses roughly the area from Watula Avenue to SE 14th Avenue and from East Silver Springs Boulevard to SE 8th Street. But our town also has three other historic districts: Tuscawilla Historic District, West Ocala Historic District and the Downtown Business Historic District.” “HOPS is responsible for so much of the preservation of the historic buildings and
homes in Ocala and putting different buildings on the National Historic Register,” explains Pamela Stafford, past president of HOPS, board member and chairman of the Spring Heritage Tour. Although member dues have always helped with HOPS’ projects, for a number of years, the organization held a formal ball as its main fundraiser. When that kind of formal event became passé, the board came up with the idea of offering tours of the very kind of homes HOPS is all about preserving. The tours have been hugely popular and ticket purchases are considered tax-deductible donations that benefit various HOPS’ projects. “We have not done a spring tour in several years. We do one fundraiser every year, and for the past several years, we’ve done a Christmas tour, which takes place at night, and we realized people probably would like to see the homes during the day,” observes Stafford. “We really encourage people to support the home tour; it’s our only fundraiser, and the money goes right back into preservation and education,” she says. “We also do walking tours and school tours throughout the year. For example, a teacher might be teaching Florida history and call to arrange a tour for her class. You can call the HOPS’ office or visit the website if you’re interested in a tour.” Stafford encourages anyone interested in supporting the historic aspects of our community to consider becoming a member of HOPS. “Dues are very reasonable, and you’ll be supporting the continuing preservation efforts of HOPS, but you don’t have to put in any sweat equity unless you want to,” she adds with a smile. Stoothoff points out that although past tours have included some of these other districts, all of the participating homes in the Spring Heritage Tour are in the Ocala Historic District or immediately adjacent to it. “The age of a home is not a specific requirement to be included on the tour, but Photo by Cynthia Brown
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ver visit a historic site and think, “if only these walls could talk,” or peruse an antiques shop pondering the intriguing stories of earlier lives connected with an especially interesting piece? If so, you’re exactly the type of person who will appreciate the upcoming Historic Ocala Preservation Society’s (HOPS) Spring Heritage Tour. Of course, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy touring the remarkable homes included in this year’s tour. You may just want to learn more about Ocala’s picturesque historic district or be looking for a bit of interior decorating inspiration more up-closeand-personal than you find on your favorite HGTV shows. You’ll discover that and more on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the five welcoming locations that are part of the tour, which takes place from 10am to 4pm. Best of all, you can tour the homes at your own pace and in whatever order strikes your fancy. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time (see info box), or you can buy a ticket on the day of the tour at any of the tour locations. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more when paid in advance.
most houses in the historic districts were built between 1880 to 1930. To be considered ‘historic’ a building must be at least 50 years old,” he adds. “Every year the tour improves, and the spring tour is an event you don’t want to miss,” says Stoothoff. “This particular tour includes some newer homeowners as well as those who have been here for many years.”
Homes On Tour
Locations included in the tour are in fairly close proximity, so you conceivably could walk from home to home, but it’s also an easy drive between them. Either way, wear comfortable shoes (high-heeled shoes aren’t permitted in order to protect floors), and allow a couple hours so you can take your time and enjoy the ambiance of each location. The tour is self-guided, so you can proceed at your own pace and will be asked to present your ticket at each location. A host or hostess will greet you at each of the stops, mark your ticket and offer information about the home and property. Refreshments will be offered at
The Bowman House
one of the homes on the tour and is included in the ticket price. To respect the homeowners’ privacy, photos are not allowed inside the homes, but you are welcome to take photos outside if you like. Be aware that smoking, pets or outside food or beverages are not allowed inside any of the locations. Homes are generally not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. If children FEB ’18 ›
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