Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Susquehanna Charm: This year’s HYP Home Tour drifts into Shipoke.

Screenshot 2016-04-28 13.03.08Say the word “Shipoke” and several thoughts may cross your mind.

History. Beauty. Sometimes tragedy.

For those who live there, Shipoke also means home and neighbors. Some of the oldest houses in Harrisburg line the narrow, winding streets of this compact, close-knit community.

This month, the HYP Annual Home Tour returns to Shipoke, showing off its architecture, décor and classic charm.

“We’ll give out programs at the beginning of the tour, which give a description and introduction to the home,” said Laura Evans Cullison, co-chair of the Harrisburg Young Professional’s city living committee. “We’ve partnered with the Dauphin County Historical Society to add a historic element to the tour.”

At press time, 14 homeowners had agreed to open their doors for the tour, but more homes may be added, she said. Restaurants Passage to India and Los Tres Cubanos also will take part.

In most cases, entire houses will be open, and homeowners will be present to answer questions. Volunteers also will be stationed at each location.

 

City Living

Shipoke was the site of one of the first permanent European settlements in our area.

An English trader, John Harris Sr., settled on the banks of the Susquehanna in 1719 and, for many years, Shipoke was the location of the family farm. In the 1840s, the Harris family began selling off parts of the land, giving rise to the residential neighborhood. For years, the community was working class and a transportation hub, with many residents employed by the Central Iron and Steel Co. By 1950, the population of Shipoke had climbed to nearly 3,000 people.

In 1972, Tropical Storm Agnes took a toll on the neighborhood, as did other floods and the extension of I-83. Nonetheless, Shipoke has continued to survive and evolve. Today, it is one of the most desirable locations in Harrisburg, known for its restaurants, art, gardens and Victorian townhouses.

The home tour also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, first built by John Harris Jr. in 1766 on a hill overlooking the Susquehanna.

Participating homeowners seem excited to show off their houses. Kathy Vander Woude, who will be opening her house on Front Street, looks forward to visitors seeing her living room.

“I love to sit in a sunbeam at the front window and view the river,” she said.

Her house, originally built in 1889, features a beautiful piece of stained glass acquired from a Shipoke church demolished in the 1972 flood.

She and her husband Todd moved to Shipoke in 1991, then to their current house in 2000. They were drawn to the Shipoke area because they wanted a neighborhood that was walkable and close to shops and restaurants.

“Todd and I moved here from the Fan District in Richmond, Va.,” she said. “We were looking for a neighborhood that would be close to many things.”

This is Kathy’s third time with the HYP Home Tour. Her motivation for participating?

“I want to show people that this is a family home,” she said. “Many couples choose to leave the city when they have children. The neighborhood has been our family, and it was wonderful raising the girls in it.”

The Home Tour also acts as an incentive for prospective buyers to look inside the city limits. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the HYP “Home in the City” program. The program provides $1,000 grants to HYP members buying a home in Harrisburg.

The home tour benefits the city in more ways than one.

“It exposes people to beautiful homes, restaurants, and artists in the area, and it brings together the neighborhoods involved,” said Evans Cullison. “The home tour brings awareness to the benefits of city living.”

The HYP 18th Annual Home Tour takes place on May 21, 1 to 4 p.m., with an after-party from 5 to 7 p.m. For ticket and event information, visit www.HYP.org or call  717-831-0726. Sponsorships are still available. Interested parties should contact Derek Whitesel at 717-831-0726 or info@hyp.org.

 

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