Spencer sites will be big focus of this year’s OctoberTour

Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 17, 2018

Historic Salisbury Foundation is going off the rails, so to speak, with a twist on the traditional OctoberTour.

In homage to the rail history in Rowan County and the connections between Salisbury and Spencer, OctoberTour 2018 will feature the North Carolina Transportation Museum and properties in the town of Spencer, Salisbury’s North Main Historic District and downtown Salisbury.

The food and entertainment area, Bank Street Cafe, will move to Spencer’s Library Park.

“We will continue to offer local food, craft beer and wine, arts vendors, antique firetruck rides, trolley rides, children’s activities, live music, and artists in action,” the foundation said in a news release.

Food and entertainment at Library Park will be open to the public and will not require an OctoberTour ticket.

Historic Salisbury Station will also be featured on the tour. The 1908 Spanish mission-style building, designed by noted architect Frank P. Milburn, will complement the Spencer Shops (transportation museum) and emphasize the impact of railroads on the turn-of-the-century residential development in Spencer and Salisbury.

With Bell Tower Green Park under construction, day-of-tour ticket sales will move from the Henderson Law Office to Salisbury Station.

“We often ignore the early 20th century as less glamorous than either the Colonial or Civil War eras,” said Karen Hobson, executive director of the foundation. “Yet, the early 20th century had a profound impact on the form and shape of what became suburban Salisbury and its neighbor, Spencer.

“It’s time we explore this part of our community in more depth.”

This year’s tour will be held Oct. 13-14.

The tour line-up along with details of the patrons party and Lunch and Learn program will be announced soon.

Tickets will go on sale July 2.

Meanwhile, Historic Salisbury Foundation is asking individuals and businesses to consider an OctoberTour sponsorship or advertisement. For information, email events@historicsalisbury.org or call the HSF office at 704-636-0103.