It’s hard to imagine that the EPHS could have enjoyed more perfect weather for“Hillsides and Hideaways,” the 2nd Annual Historic Echo Park Home Tour.

The home tour was a resounding success, in part because ticket buyers were able to see the unusual, and in some cases breathtaking, views that we enjoy in our neighborhood.

Nearly 500 people bought tickets to the EPHS home tour, which was held Nov. 14 and put a spotlight on our neighborhood’s hillside settings and tucked-away homes.   That enthusiastic response allowed the EPHS to raise an estimated $6,000, which will be used to purchase historic photographs and pursue key preservation initiatives in the coming year.

Ticket buyers had the opportunity to visit 10 historic homes, from a 1908 “Echo Park shack” to an elaborate 1930 Spanish Colonial compound.

They saw some incredible vistas too -- the Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Mountains. The day was so lovely that two homes provided views of the Pacific Ocean.

One of the biggest hits of the tour was the staircase leading into Fellowship Parkway, where tour-goers found our bake sale surrounded by trees, century-old homes and stunning hillside views.  Tour-goers seemed reluctant to leave.

 This year’s home tour was clearly a success because of the generosity of the people who opened up their homes, some of whom weren’t even in town the day of the tour. Equally critical was the enthusiastic involvement of nearly 110 volunteers, who helped explain our neighborhood’s history, made ticket buyers feel welcome and ensured that the tour ran smoothly.

 The tour committee was headed by Mary-Austin Klein, who supervised the event.   But there were many others who played an important role, from the people who dialed for volunteers to the organizers of the volunteers after-party.

 The EPHS thanks everyone who took part and looks forward to next year’s tour and the chance to promote our historic homes and unique history.