Enjoy another highlight of the Natchez holiday celebration by attending the Friends of the Library annual Christmas Tour of Homes from 2 to 5 p.m. this Sunday.

Tickets are $15 for one or $25 for two and include four homes and refreshments. Purchase in advance at the library, the visitor’s center or at any home on Sunday. These properties are seldom open to the public. Owners have been busy decorating!

Some saw the former King’s Daughters home for unwed mothers as only a place for beautiful river views, but Renee and Kenny Cavin recognized the historic significance of the home at 32 Cemetery Road. Donated in 2004 to Natchez Historic Foundation, it was purchased by the Cavins in 2007. They saved many original features, but the original residents would appreciate that the 12-second floor bedrooms were remodeled to include more bathrooms!

The restoration of the Greek Revival house at 307 North Wall St., home of Margaret Perkins and René Adams, combined architectural integrity with modern features. In 1848, Ann Stockton, widow of a Natchez merchant and tailor, acquired the lot for $250 to build a home for her six young children. Construction was documented in ledgers of Andrew Brown’s sawmill. The contractor was N.L. Carpenter, patriarch of the Carpenter family, who also built Myrtle Terrace. Margaret Perkins bought the house in 2003. She and René are eager to share the holiday season with library supporters.

Cappy and Judy Stahlman turned a former commercial building into a lovely home while retaining the historic facade of the building, once a grocery store and more recently the Dixie Furniture Company. The structure was seriously damaged by the straight-line winds of 1998. There are now two B&B units, a luxury condominium with elevator, and one of the most unique courtyards in Natchez. Stop by 205 North Commerce and enjoy the decorations.

The restoration of her home at 411 North Commerce by Dr. Linda Wilbourn has been a 15-year labor of love. Once the home of author Edith Wyatt Moore, the house had undergone many changes over the years. Dr. Wilbourn restored and repaired many Italianate features and returned the small front portico to its original full-width gallery. She added an addition on the adjoining lot that echoes the original. The enclosed courtyard has a walled garden. Her collection of antique furniture will be complemented by lovely holiday decorations. Refreshments will be served here.

A huge thank-you goes to Mimi Miller for her assistance in providing detailed histories and descriptions of these homes. All owners credit her help during their renovations.

All proceeds support library programs and are especially important in this time of budget cuts. Get into the holiday spirit and help a good cause.

Tour the homes, have dinner downtown, and enjoy the Alcorn Choir!

Maria Bowser is the president of the Friends of the Library.