By Christine Wilson
For the Salisbury Post
OctoberTour, a community-wide educational event, had another very successful year.
This year, probably more than any other, the tour presented a wide range of historic properties that told the Salisbury story in bricks and mortar. Grimes Mill depicted the industrial story of Salisbury in the late 19th and 20th century. Five historic houses represented history from 1820-1928. Over 21/2 centuries of ecclesiastical history of the county was presented at St. Lukeís Episcopal Church. Downtown commercial history was emphasized with the antebellum Cyrus West House on South Main Street. Finally, the two cemeteries ó Old English and Freedmanís ó were a wonderful review of some of the people who had lived and contributed to the community over the centuries.
Other educational events included the OctoberTour luncheon featuring a lecture about Salisbury, a living history Civil War encampment that showcased both Confederate and Union soldiers, and a Civil War medical reenactment.
Downtown Salisbury Inc. hosted another well-attended OctoberTour Friday Night Out, and Historic Salisbury Foundationís participation at the Cyrus West House on South Main Street provided an opportunity for visitors to learn about the positive impact of the foundationís many years of work to save and protect Salisburyís historic neighborhoods. Musical entertainment and delicious food provided for a relaxing respite on West Bank Street. Plein Air Carolina hosted artists who participated in the Oil Painters of America Paint Out and later displayed their paintings on the Hall House lawn for tour goers to enjoy.
Hundreds of volunteers contributed to this success and deserve a hearty thanks for their efforts, especially Shari and Bill Graham, who hosted one of the largest sponsor patron parties ever ó the Harvest Moon; site owners Carol and Don Sayers, Betsy and Dean Cunningham, Louis Boyd, Dr. Frank Labagnara and David Garling, Maria and Jack Thomson, the Rev. Wayne Houghland and the city of Salisbury. Special thanks to Frances and Robert Taylor for hosting the Patronsí Porch. OctoberTour Chairman David Post led a very hardworking committee whose efforts ensured a successful, smooth and high quality tour.
We are most appreciative to our sponsors whose support helped the tour be one of the most successful fundraisers in our history. Thank you to our major sponsors BP, Rushco Markets, Rusher Oil Co., Cloninger Ford, Cheerwine, Wells Fargo, Salisbury Pharmacy, Global Contact Services, Community Bank of Rowan, F&M Bank, Salisbury Rowan County Visitors Bureau and Salisbury Post.

Christine Wilson is OctoberTour coordinator.