(Photo by Douglass Huxley) Shawn and Brenda Critzer pose for a picture beside their Christmas tree Sunday during the annual Victorian Christmas Home Tour and Tea in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District. The couple, who own the house at 1034 Ann St., said they have been opening up their home for tours for the past 25 years and take great pride in preserving the character and history of their 1902 home.

PARKERSBURG — For the past 25 years, the owners of a historic 1902 home located at 1034 Ann St. have been opening their doors to the public for the annual Victorian Christmas Home Tour and Tea in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District. The homeowners, Shawn and Brenda Critzer, say the tours not only help fund neighborhood improvements, but also allow them to share the beauty and character of their unique residence with the community.

“These houses were built to be lived in and shared,” Shawn Critzer said. “We’ve been in this neighborhood for over 25 years, and we want to preserve this history for as long as we can.”

The home features intricate architectural details, including ornate fireplaces and mantles built by the original owner who also owned the Parkersburg Mantle Company.

“Every single one is different,” Brenda Critzer said. “Most of them are tall. I have to have a ladder to do any dusting.”

Visitors, especially children, are often amazed by the home’s grand scale and vintage charm. One of the Critzer’s favorite features is the third-floor “Santa’s Wonderland” – a Christmas-themed room that is decorated year-round. Brenda Critzer said it took her three years to finish.

“The kids’ eyes just light up when they see it for the first time,” Shawn Critzer said. “That’s one of the best parts for us.”

Abraham Garcia and McKenna Murphy, who purchased the house at 924 Ann St. last summer, said this was their first year participating in the historic home tour and that the community has welcomed them with open arms.

“We’re very thankful to be a part of the community,” Murphy said.

Garcia said there’s a lot of history in the house and that they are discovering news things all the time. He said they were caretakers of that history.

“We’re huge protectors of history,” Garcia said.

Shawn Critzer said these historic homes serve as a window into the past, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and character of architecture from a bygone era. He said the owners’ dedication to preservation ensures these types of homes will be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Without our past, we wouldn’t be here,” Shawn Critzer said. “That’s part of what we want to be able to share with people – the craftsmanship and character that just can’t be replicated today.”