Successful fall home tour

The second annual McKinley Residential Historic District Fall Home Tour was a great success. Good weather and publicity from a variety of media helped push our numbers to some 300 patrons who enjoyed a beautiful fall day and four wonderful historic homes. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible, and to our many friends from Newton, Wichita and surrounding areas who were generous in their support of our neighborhood.  We’ll see you next year!

Ada Schmidt-Tieszen and Daryl Unruh sell tickets and recruit players in the photo scavenger hunt at the McKinley Administrative Center.

Merle Schlabaugh checking tickets at the National Folk-Style House, 308 E. 2nd, home of Ib and June Thomsen.

Tour patrons checking out one of a couple of antique cars featured in the tour.

The Johnson House, 324 E. 3rd, home of Dan and Julie Quinlin, was a popular stop for tour patrons.

Nathan Dick and Peggy Souder welcome guests to their home, the Lander House, 317 E. 3rd.

Patrons cue up to see the Regier House at 309 E. 1st., home of Ron and Carol Cheyney.

Fall Home Tour, Sept. 23, 1-5 p.m.

The McKinley Residential Historic District Fall Home Tour will be Sunday, Sept. 23, 1-5 p.m.  Four of the neighborhood’s historic gems will be featured on the tour. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased the day of the event at the McKinley Administration Center, 308 E. First Street. Antique items will be raffled and vintage cars will be on display.  The public is cordially invited to attend.

Don’t miss the Spring neighborhood gathering April 22

Second annual clean-up day a success

Neighbors worked together on Saturday, Nov. 12, to clean up the McKinley District. The annual fall clean-up day was held during perfect fall weather, giving everyone a chance to get rid of yard waste and junk. More than 20 households took advantage of the free service, arriving in the McKinley Administrative Center parking lot in trucks, cars, vans and even bicycles. In all, nearly two dumpsters were loaded!

Thanks go to the many volunteers who assisted, and to the the staff at the McKinley Administrative Center who made their parking lot available for the event.

Annual neighborhood cleanup Saturday, Nov. 12

The McKinley Residential Historic District Annual Fall Cleanup Day will be Saturday, Nov. 12. Dumpsters  will be available at the McKinley Administration Center parking lot at 1st and Pine from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.  Neighbors are welcome to drop off leaves, limbs, brush, old lumber, metal items and old lawn furniture and grill. Hazardous materials, paint, chemicals, tires and large appliances will not be accepted.  There is no cost. For more information and a free coupon to use to access the dumpsters, contact Dana Ayala, 218-5976.

First annual home tour a true success

Thanks to all who attended the first annual McKinley Residential Historic District Fall Home Tour on Sept. 25. An estimated 355 people attended the tour, which included tours of homes, antique cars, paintings by Joseph Loganbill, a raffle of a Loganbill painting, a photo scavenger hunt  and refreshments.

Special thanks to the Warkentin House Board of Directors, Joseph Loganbill, Bread Basket Restaurant, Merle and Karen Schlabaugh, Chris and Rita Miller, Dana and Carlos Ayala, Newton Kansan and Wichita Eagle for helping make this event such a success.

Buying tickets at the Warkentin House.

Antique cars line the drive as tour-goers stream through the Reese House at 305 E. 1st.

Crowds queue up to get into the Ely House, 119 S. Pine, home of Chris and Rita Miller.

Checking out an old beauty at the Neal House.

Tour-goers enjoy the decorating in the Neal House, Merle and Karen Schlabaugh's home at 301 E. 4th.

Fall 2011 neighborhood events planned

Our annual neighborhood ice cream social, held Sunday, June 5, was a success. Thanks to all who turned out. Thanks, too, to the staff and members of the First United Church of Christ for hosting us.

Check out the latest neighborhood event flier for information about two upcoming events this fall:

• The Fall Historic Home Tour, Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m.
• The Second Annual Neighborhood Clean-up Day, Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

2011 event flier