SHEFFIELD-“It Takes a Village” is the theme for a new event being offered this year by residents of Sheffield’s Village One. This neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made up of 85 bungalows, barracks, a school building and a park. On Sunday, October 20, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. homeowners in several of the historic homes will hold “open house” and will be part of a tour offered in “The Village.” Refreshments will be served and a tour guide will be available to lead those who would like to walk to the stops. An overview of Village history will be provided to those participating in the walking tour, which will depart from Brewster School (the Village School) at 2:00 and at 3:00.
The unique community that was known as Village One in Sheffield was designed and built as government defense housing in 1918 and served as housing during construction of Wilson Dam. The streets were laid out in an unusual Liberty Bell design. The houses feature red tile roofs and stucco exteriors. The Village is an excellent example of an early 20th century planned community development and shows techniques of prefabrication and standardized housing construction. Indeed, it “took a Village” to build Wilson Dam.
The hones will be representative of the standard plans, but will showcase the adaptability of these homes to today’s living. The following people will host open house: Verna Brennen, 702 Wilson Dam Circle; Mr. and Mrs. Paul David Marshall, 44 Chickamauga Street; Mr. and Mrs. Hal Hughston, III, 104 Pickwick Street; and Doris Warhurst, 716 Wilson Dam Circle. To hear the presentation and to join the walking tour, meet at Brewster School (The Village School) at 2:00 and at 3:00. You may also visit the homes in any order on your own.
Tickets are $8.00, available in advance at the Sheffield Library, ColdWater Books and the Colbert County Tourism office. Tickets will also be available on the day of the tour at the school and at each of the homes.
The tour is sponsored by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation, Historic Sheffield Commission and Colbert County Tourism. Proceeds will benefit historic preservation projects in the City of Sheffield, especially the fund for “Saving Grace,” the historic church building that originally served as the former Grace Episcopal Church.
Richard Sheridan, Sheffield City Historian will give the historical overview presentation at Brewster School at 2:00 and 3:00 on the day of the tour.
For additional tour details, contact Colbert County Tourism at 256-383-0783.
