For the second year in a row the Calico Belles have made a one thousand dollar donation to the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches to be used in promoting the 64th Annual Fall Pilgrimage and Tour of Homes. This year’s tour will be held on the weekend of Oct. 12–14.
“The Calico Belles have been a big supporters of the preservation work of the APHN for generations,” said Gary Cathey, Chair of the 2018 Fall Tour Committee. “We could not do it without them”, he continued. “Not only do they make money that goes to publicize and promote the Tour but they provide hundreds of volunteer hours as guides at the various homes on the tours. They learn about history and the stories of the homes and the families that lived there and then share the knowledge they have learned with the visitors that come to the tours.”
Over 60 young ladies of high school age in the Natchitoches area belong to the group under the direction of Gretchen Murchison, APHN Board Member. These young ladies represent Natchitoches beautifully, and their service to the community builds the love of history and preservation in a new generation. Many Calico Belles have gone on to continue their involvement later in life by belonging to the APHN, serving on its Board, and some even share their historic Natchitoches homes on the tour. It is common for the granddaughters and great granddaughters of founding members of the APHN to continue their families’ tradition of supporting preservation in Natchitoches. It is also a way for newer members of the community to get involved.
Tour tickets may be purchased by calling (318) 379-0055 or by visiting melroseplantation.org.