AUBURN - The Community Preservation Society teamed up for the first time with the Cayuga County Arts Council to combine an art festival and book signing with their biannual historic homes tour Saturday.

At Hoopes Park, Kevin Rivoli signed copies of his book, “In Search of Norman Rockwell's America,” and artists from across central New York set up under tents with their work. Participants could also purchase $25 tickets for the homes tour which gave them the opportunity to explore seven homes surrounding the park.

“We hope that people will enjoy the architecture and get some ideas for their own homes,” said Kathy Walker, the executive director of the Community Preservation Society.

These homes have historical and architectural significance, she said. Many of the homes were once owned by prominent people in the community. The house at 2 Teller Ave., for example, was Dr. Thomas Stapleton's home. He was such an avid baseball supporter in Auburn that they used to call him “Mr. Baseball,” she said.

Stapleton left behind some of that love for baseball in his home. The basement features baseball memorabilia that the current owners, Dr. Joe and Sheli Graney, have left partially intact.

The original floor of the basement was actually a tile floor that looked like a baseball diamond, Rachel Barron. who was serving as a tour guide in the house, said. Custom ordered baseball bats still support the railing into the basement and signs around the room say “center field”, “right field” and “left field”.

“The thing everyone wants to see is the signature wallpaper in the bathroom,” Barron said.

Each time a famous ball player would visit the Stapleton's home, often coming over for dinner, they would go into the bathroom and sign one of the baseballs on the wallpaper. Many people were excited about seeing Hank Aaron's signature, she said.

Sam Sammarco, who visited the house with his wife Suzanne, was impressed by the unique wallpaper and the baseball bat banister.

“I would like to try that railing, if I ever had the opportunity, in our house or one of our kids' houses,” Sam Sammarco said.

“The house itself was lovely. It's nice to see a 1930s house decorated so comfortably for today,” Suzanne Sammarco said. This is a very interesting way to raise money; it's very impressive.

At each of the seven homes, a house captain waited at the door to greet guests. The guests walked around the house at their own pace and in each room a guide was available to tell them more about the features of the room.

“I think it's just great,” Ine Nolin, one of the guides, said. “It shows you all the different things you can do with your house whether it is big or small; old or new.”