Known as “Historic Home Tours” during early years of CHPS
The Corona Historic Preservation Society reactivated its Historic Home Tour
program in 2007 after a ten-year hiatus. We called the event “2007 Vintage
Home Tour” and celebrated five beautiful and distinctive homes that were built
more than 75 years ago. On a balmy May 12
th
, we welcomed over 350 visitors as
they discovered the craftmanship and charm of homes built during another era.
One of the goals of the tour was to educate the public so that they might acquire
a desire to preserve that which remains of Corona’s past glory and that they
would be favorably disposed to return for future events.
Guests were invited to walk through the homes which served as windows to the
past. Visitors saw classic architectural elements, beautiful woodwork, unique
windows,
designs and craftsmanship that would be hard to duplicate today.
Everyone was encouraged to admire details, the little extras, beautiful furnishings
and finish work which remain after nearly a century.
Note: Four of the featured homes were Corona Historic Landmarks. They have
been identified by the Planning Commission and the City Council as physical
elements of Corona’s historical development that provide the community with its
own unique civic identity and character. Requirements for Corona Landmark
status: Site must be at least 50 years, have significant historic, cultural or
architectural value, and demonstrate authenticity of physical identity as
evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the Landmark’s
period of significance.
The Corona Historic Preservation Society plans to continue Vintage Home Tours
so visitors can experience both historically and architecturally significant homes
that continue to be used after many decades.
Please plan to join us at future Vintage Home Tours. |
 Here we see a red 1906 Model-T Model N (owned by John Talley) in the
foreground, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird (owned by Glenn Gary) on the right,
and a 1956 Packard Caribbean (owned by Gary Osko) on the left.
CHPS members Jackie and Bubba Bland just examined
the sumptuous interior of the limousine.
CHPS member Scott Richardson is pictured here
with his Penny Farthing bicycle.
His participation in the Tour certainly added to the
fun and authenticity of the experience.
1022 South Ramona Avenue
 This 1893 Victorian home is owned by Jackie and Bubba Bland.
Jackie serves on the CHPS Board of Directors.
This grandchildren’s playhouse was constructed by
homeowner and retired carpenter, Bubba Bland.
 Docent Lisa Hawkins poses on the stairway
in the impressive foyer of this home.
 Bubba and Jackie Bland standing near the fireplace
of their beautifully appointed living room.
Group from R-L: Bubba Bland, Jackie Bland, John Kane (’Captain” of
the home and CHPS Board member), Charlene Carrillo,
Jerry Neumann, Jean Neumann, Janette Neumann,
Lisa Hawkins and Helen Yoshikawa.
Fabulous Country French kitchen
 Looking out through the windows of the master bedroom on the
second floor offers a grand view of Corona.
Colorful vintage
bathroom with
unique tilework.
934 East Grand Boulevard
 This stately shingled Folk Victorian, owned by Nick and
Michelle Koranda, was built in 1895 .
 CHPS member and Docent Coordinator for the Tour,
Joan Thacker, welcomes many guests into the home.
 Cozy living room incorporating a built-in bookcase,
original oak floors and vintage lighting.
 One of many sleeping porches surrounding the home.
This one is at the main entry.
 Friendly docent Dixie Weir is welcoming guests
into this whimsical children’s playroom.
Teddy is awaiting a companion to join him for a tea party.
 Docent and CHPS member Kathy Sinkovich in the family room. Note
the beautiful built-in wooden cabinetry, door casing and 5-panel door.
 In the foreground (from L-R): Alexandria Stern (‘Captain’ of the
home during the Tour) welcomes CHPS members
and Tour guests Nancy and Terry Wilkeson.
This barn may be the last original barn still standing
within the Grand Boulevard Circle.
It is currently used for storage and gardening tools.
1164 East Grand Boulevard
Guests checked in under the umbrella on the right.
They also donned shoe covers in order to protect the hardwood floors.
Docent Terri Hathaway is inviting guests into
the living room of this beautiful Craftsman Bungalow,
built by George Snedecor in 1903.
 Antique pump organ in a corner of the dining room.
 Smiling docent Tammy Paxman
at her station in the kitchen.
Home ‘Captain’ and CHPS Board member Doris Osko sharing
information in the family room while blue-bootied guests
admire the many collections on the shelves.
in the master bedroom, docent Kari Burr welcomes all who
enter this charming room with many windows.
This soft-toned Craftsman Style bathroom is very inviting.
Homeowner Barbara
Becker uses this inviting
space as a playroom for
her grandchildren.
 Homeowner Barbara Becker
poses with Doris Osko
Docents from other Tour homes gather to visit the Becker Residence.
Front row (L-R): Doris Osko and Nancy Waldvogel.
Back row: Dixie Weir, Diane Luepeke, Ilma Silva and Joan Thacker.
818 West 11th Street
Tour visitors walking along the ‘Hollywood Driveway’ of this
Spanish Eclectic home that was built in 1924.
CHPS President and ‘Captain’ of this home, Julie Stern (seated) and
CHPS Board Member, Jim Bryant, chat with visitors as
they enter the Jay Stemska Residence.
 Docent Paula Meservy shows this nicely decorated
Art Deco dining room.
The ventilation windows almost span from floor to ceiling.
Master bedroom with natural wood trim and window blinds.
The art work seen here
reflects the homeowner’s
love of music.
The bathroom still has most of its
original features.
The kitchen is neat and
clean and has a vintage
tile counter and
original hardware.
The checkerboard
linoleum floor tiles
were very popular
 Victoria Stephens greets
visitors as they exit the
home and remove their
shoe covers
(aka bootie duty!)
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2038 South Main Street
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 This Craftsman Bungalow with Arts & Crafts styling,
owned by Carlos and Kathy Levalle,
was built by Marion and Laura Featherston in 1927.
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Home ‘Captain’ and CHPS Board member Aaron Hake and his wife,
Lauralynn, (both are seated) are checking Tour tickets at the entry.
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Docents and CHPS members Paula and Tom Muñoz
greet guests in the living room.
This original Bachelder-Claycraft tile fireplace with built-in cabinets and
stained glass windows are outstanding features of this vintage home.
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A repeating theme throughout the home is the unique doorway arch.
A similar arch can be seen in the background.
Beautiful lighting fixtures grace the ceilings and walls
throughout this lovely home.
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 Docent Mena Phelps leads visitors from
the dining room into the sunroom / family room.
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 Built-in cabinets, shelves
and checkerboard linoleum tile
flooring are classic features
of this 1920s home.
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 Cheery guest bedroom
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The Levalle family is in the back patio area near
the newly constructed swimming pool.
Photographers contributing to this collection are:
CHPS Event Photographer Akio Yoshikawa,
Doris Osko, Christine Gary and Richard Winn.
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Tickets were sold on the spacious front porch of this 1888 Folk Victorian