In 1879, the home at 50 South St. in Auburn was erected.

It was made out of brick and stone with a slate roof to last forever.

Prior to the home's restoration in 2001, when Max and Erin Champion purchased the home, it was left abandoned and in a dilapidated condition.

The historic home, among many on historic South Street, will be recognized Sunday, during the South Street Porch Walk.

Willard Memorial Chapel's Program and Publicity Committee created the event this year to focus on community preservation.

“One of the things we neglect to do is programming for community preservation. Most neglected is our priority for preservation looking outside the chapel,” said Maxine Alberici, co-chair of the committee. “It's tough to run programming and fundraising with limited resources.”

The eight-member committee has worked together for the past year creating a three-year program focusing on the history within the city of Auburn.

This year's series, Tea and Architecture, began in late March when Margaret Mosher taught an architectural styles 101 class. In early May, Mike Long directed an architectural tour of downtown Auburn explaining the historical architecture of the city. Alberici said roughly 50 people have attended each event.

Sunday, area residents will be able to take a tour of South Street learning about the historical significance of the homes with the opportunity of viewing some local artists' works that will be displayed on porches along the street.

“It's exciting to have an event like this on South Street,” said Tom Champion, who will display his artwork, including oil painting and pottery, at 50 South St.

Alberici suggests visitors begin the tour at the gazebo across from Auburn City Hall and work their way down the street to Chapman Avenue.

Volunteers will be standing along the sidewalks where people can stop and ask historical information about the homes.

As people walk back the opposite side of the street they can enjoy a variety of art that will be set up on porches for viewing and purchase, Alberici said.

“We hope people on the street get enthused about this,” Alberici said. “We're totally doing this on an educational basis.”

The co-chair said this year six homes volunteered to welcome the public to their porches. She said other historical towns hold events like this that grow each year attracting more and more people.

“Maybe ours will eventually grow too,” Alberici said.

Artists will display their work from 1 to 5 p.m. but the walk will only be held from 2 to 4 p.m.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can

be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net

If you go

What: South Street Porch Walk

When: Walk is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., artists will display and sell work from 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: South Street, tour starts at gazebo across from City Hall

Cost: Free