By Town Crier Staff Report

The first Spring Home and Garden Tour, held May 11, was an immense success. According to Juli Rose, chairwoman of the steering committee, more than 700 tickets were sold for the affair. The tour showcased homes and gardens in the historic village neighborhood of University and Orange avenues.

“Once people knew it was sold out, they wanted to purchase tickets for next year’s event,” Rose said.

The proceeds from the tour benefit the History Museum’s exhibit program. The facility opened March 18, 2001, and includes an interactive permanent exhibit, changing exhibits, a retail store and an archival research area.

The tour showcased six homes and gardens in the residential district west of downtown. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood was the first to be settled around the original commercial village. Some of the oldest homes date back to 1908.

Although the neighborhood for next year’s tour has not yet been determined, there is a hint it may be the Pine Avenue area of Los Altos. Also under discussion are homes in the northwest section of Los Altos that Don McDonald has designated as historical homes.

McDonald has suggested numerous homes in this section of town should be included in the historical resources inventory at the History Museum.