Hamilton has many splendid old homes — though some of them are really in Rossville.

        The area will come to life Dec. 8 for the Rossville Historic District's Holiday Home Tour.

        The town was laid out in 1804, when Rossville and Hamilton were separate towns sitting across from each other on the Great Miami River. A bridge brought them closer together, and Rossville merged with Hamilton is 1854.

        A remnant of those days remains: it's called High Street east of the bridge and Main street to the west.

        The Rossville Historic District has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. More than 130 buildings sit in the 10 1/2-block district. A register listing assures protection and encourages restoration.

        Nine sites are on the tour: a Georgian revival home built in 1906 by a prominent contractor; a colonial revival home built in 1910; a Norman Tudor built in 1929; an Italianate brick home built in 1870 by industrialist George Sohngen; an 1850s Greek revival once used as a boys' detention home; a modified Tudor built in 1926; and a Tudor revival built in 1929.

        “The homes will be fabulously decorated for the Christmas holiday,” said Faye Wolke, tour spokeswoman. “Choir and instrumental groups will be strolling. It will be something nice to see.”

        Tickets may be purchased at any site on the day of the tour or at Beeler Drug Co., 41 N. Brookwood Ave., and Thyme Savor, 222 Main St.

        Cost: $8 in advance, $10 on the day of the tour. Additional information: Ms. Wolke, 868-2599.

        HAMILTON — Paul Schoenharl will present the story of the Estate Stove Co. at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Butler County Historical Society's Ritchie Auditorium, 327 N. Second St.

        In 1884, the company came to Hamilton. It closed in 1962.

        The program is free and open to the public.

        BATAVIA — The Clermont County Historical Society has published a new book, Clermont County, Ohio Bicentennial, 1800-2000.

        It includes activities held during the county's bicentennial, locations of village historical signs and markers, articles published on local history, and driving tours.

        It sells for $10 and may be purchased at a number of local outlets, including Bank One in Williamsburg and U.S. Grant Birthplace in Point Pleasant.

        By mail, the book costs $13. Send check or money order to Clermont County Historical Society, P.O. Box 14, Batavia, OH 45103.

        WAYNESVILLE — Bidding continues for wreaths at the Mary L. Cook Public Library. The bids will be opened at 8 p.m. Dec. 13.

        The auction is a fund-raising event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 897-4826.

        Randy McNutt's column appears on Saturday. Contact him at The Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Dr., West Chester, Ohio 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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