History enthusiasts and architecture lovers will have the opportunity to explore Fargo's rich architectural heritage during the Clara Barton Hawthorne Historic Home Tour scheduled for Sunday, September 14. The biennial self-guided event runs from noon to 5 p.m., with tickets priced at $25, and serves a dual purpose of showcasing the area's historic properties while raising funds for free community events that bring Clara Barton and Hawthorne neighbors together.

This year's tour features eight carefully selected homes spanning from the 1900s to the 1960s, reflecting what organizers describe as "the city's evolving character and style." According to Simone Wai with the Clara Barton Hawthorne Neighborhood Association, all eight properties are brand new additions to the longstanding home tour, made possible by the recent merger of two neighborhood associations that expanded the scope of available homes. Visitors will receive an informational booklet detailing the history and architectural significance of each property.

Among the featured properties is one of the tour's most notable homes at 1458 S. River Road, owned by John and Sherri Stern. This remarkable residence was designed and built in 1958 by Elizabeth Wright Ingraham and her husband Gordon. Wright Ingraham holds particular significance in architectural circles as the granddaughter of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, adding a prestigious lineage to Fargo's architectural landscape.

Another historically significant property on the tour is a Tudor-style house built in 1927, which carries important political heritage. The home was previously owned by former U.S. Senator Quentin Burdick and his wife Jocelyn, who herself has notable lineage as a descendant of famous suffrage leader Matilda Joslyn Gage. Located at 1110 Ninth St. S., this bungalow was originally constructed by Jocelyn's father Albert and underwent several additions during the Burdick family's residency. Following Quentin Burdick's death in 1992, Jocelyn was appointed to complete his Senate term and continued living in the home until approximately 2010.

The tour also highlights the mid-century modern movement with several charming homes from that era, complete with period-appropriate furniture that perfectly complements the architectural style. Throughout the event, homeowners will be available to engage with visitors, sharing personal stories and historical details about their properties. This interactive element adds a personal dimension to the architectural experience, allowing attendees to gain deeper insights into both the homes' histories and their current stewardship.

With typical attendance reaching around 500 people, tickets for the popular event often sell out quickly. Purchases can be made in person at Luna or online at www.hawthorneneighborhood.org, with tickets available for pickup at Clara Barton Elementary School on the day of the tour. The flexible format allows participants to explore the homes by driving, walking, or biking along a suggested circular route covering 3.7 miles. As Wai explains, "You can start in any of the homes and several houses are nicely clustered where you can walk to a few at a time."

The complete tour includes eight distinctive addresses: 405 Eighth Ave. S., 1110 Ninth St. S., 1437 Eighth St. S., 1302 Ninth St. S., 1732 Eighth St. S., 1701 Ninth St. S., 1201 Eighth St. S., and 1458 South River Road. Organizers note that some homes may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues, and volunteers are actively sought to assist with ticket collection and serve as room monitors throughout the properties.

Revenue generated from the home tour plays a crucial role in funding various neighborhood activities over the subsequent two years. These community-building events include an end-of-year block party, a Mother's Day ice cream social, holiday celebrations, and other gatherings designed to strengthen the sense of community within the Clara Barton and Hawthorne neighborhoods. The recent merger of the two neighborhood associations has proven beneficial from this perspective, as Wai notes, "It's been a good way to get more people involved and strengthen relationships," particularly given their history of collaboration and shared use of Clara Barton Elementary School.