Cottage Tour & Bazaar at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly - July 19

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo The "Tea House" is among seven homes included in the Cottage Tour & Bazaar on Friday at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.
photo "The Balconies" is among seven homes included in the Cottage Tour & Bazaar on Friday at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.

COTTAGE TOUR HOMES• "Heart's Desire" (owned by Stephen and Gretchen Johnson)• "Tea House" (Thompson family)• "The Balconies" (Jean Martin)• "Park Place" (Merrill Ellis)• "Bridgeway" (Reynolds and Hammett family)• "Garden Paths" (Karin and John Haley)• "Peavine" (Saunders family)

IF YOU GOWhat: Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Cottage Tour & BazaarWhen: Friday, July 19; bazaar 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with Ralph Null demo at 1 p.m.; tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (all times Central)Where: Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, 76 Assembly St., Monteagle, Tenn.Admission: $15 in advance, $20 day of; $15 box lunchesPhone: 931-924-2286 (pick up tickets at check-in)Website: www.mssa1882.org

Seven quaint and historic homes will be open for visitors Friday, July 19, for the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Cottage Tour & Bazaar, a 50-year tradition at the "Chautauqua of the South."

Highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, chautauquas are summer communities that combine interdenominational religious studies with programs of art, theater, literature and public affairs. Monteagle's eight-week chautauqua continues through Aug. 4.

The MSSA Woman's Association sponsors the Cottage Tour & Bazaar. All of the homes on this year's tour are on Chestnut Hill, which makes for easier touring, organizers say. Homes will be open between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

According to a news release, the featured cottages offer "a great representation of wonderful Monteagle architecture, and guests will really get a sense of both traditional [construction], newer period homes and beautiful renovations."

The Bazaar on the Mall, open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., offers a chance to shop regional artisans. A returning favorite is nationally known florist Ralph Null, who will give a floral demonstration and auction off some of his creations between 1 and 2 p.m. The demonstration is open to anyone with a gate ticket (chautauqua participants) or tour ticket.

Meal options include $15 box lunches for sale at the Women's Club (Winfield Porch), with dining tables set up on the Winfield lawn. Reservations are recommended for the box lunches. Extra lunches will be available Friday, but they usually sell out quickly, organizers say.

The Dining Hall will feature Southern-style plates, and catering vendors will have items for sale.

A group of "Monteagle Ambassadors" will provide golf-cart transportation between sites as needed.

Those who stay late can watch a fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. (all times are Central).