The silver is polished, the sweetheart has been secretly selected, and the recipes are being double checked for the Vintage Valentine Tea on Sunday, February 9 from 2pm-4pm at the Irving Heritage House, 303 South O’Connor.

The Irving Index newspaper article of Thursday, February 19, 1914, reported:

“Mr. and Mrs. Charles Percy Schulze threw open their beautiful new home Saturday evening to one hundred and fifty invited guests.  The housewarming was in the nature of a Valentine Party – the decorations and color scheme throughout being hearts, arrows and cupid in reds and yellows.”

The same description fits the upcoming event at the former Schulze home now called the Heritage House, as the Irving Heritage Society recreates that party of 1914 with their annual Vintage Valentine Tea.  The public is invited to share in this special event from 2pm-4pm.  Reservations are not required and admission is free. 

Just as in the 1914 article description, there will be strings of hearts from the chandeliers.  The lace draperies at the windows and the dining table will have festoons of hearts and arrows.  Gary Schepf is serving as chair of this year’s event assisted by many volunteers.

For more information, visit www.irvingheritage.com or call 972-252-3838.

The Heritage House will be open for tours on Sunday, December 1, from 3pm-5pm.  Located at 303 South O’Connor, the home was built in 1912 for the C.P. Schulze family.  It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986.  Admission is free. Visitors will also receive a complimentary copy of the Irving history book Irving, Texas:  From Rails to Wings.

Mary’s Playhouse in the backyard garden area will also be open for visitors.   Originally built as a chicken coop, the building was converted into a playhouse for the young Mary Schulze in the 1920’s.  It contains several toys and items which had belonged to Mary and her brother Charles.

 For more information visit www.irvingheritage.com or call  972-252-3838.  Group tours may also be arranged at alternate times.

The Irving Heritage House, located at 303 South O’Connor, will be open on Sunday, September 1, from 3pm to 5pm for the monthly first Sunday tours.  Admission is free and docent led tours are offered at 3pm and 4pm.  Built in 1912, this Recorded Texas Historic Landmark provides a glimpse of one of Irving’s early families and their home. 

In the garden area behind the Heritage House, the recently  reconstructed Mary’s Playhouse will also be open for visitors during the same hours.  Originally built as a chicken coop, the building was adapted in the 1920s as a playhouse for the young Schulze daughter Mary.  Toys, books and other treasures from Mary and her brother Charles are displayed.

For more information, visit www.irvingheritage.com or call 972-252-3838.  Group tours of the Heritage House and Mary’s Playhouse are available by special appointment.

Stepping across the threshold at 303 South O’Connor, is to step back in time.  The Heritage House, as it is now called, was built in 1912 for the family of C.P. and Virginia Schulze.  It will be open for public tours on Sunday, August 4 from 3pm-5pm.  Mary’s Playhouse in the back garden area will also be open for tours.  Admission is free and children are welcome.

The Schulze family was the only family to ever live in the home. In 1975, the Schulze children gave their family home as a historic landmark to the City of Irving.  It is operated by the Irving Heritage Society.  In 1986 it was designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

With wallpaper similar to the original pattern used when the house was built in 1912, the “pink” bedroom contains furniture, bed, dresser and washstand originally the property of the Paschal P. Tuckers of Dallas, Mrs. Virginia Schulze’s parents.  It is Victorian walnut with burl walnut inlay.  The bedspread was crocheted by Mrs. Tucker to fit the bed.

To see photos of the Heritage House, visit www.irvingheritage.com.  Group tours may also be scheduled for alternate times.  For more information, contact 972-252-3838.

The Heritage House will be open for free tours on Sunday, June 2, from 3pm-5pm, with docent led tours at 3pm and 4pm.  Located at 303 South O’Connor, the Heritage House was built in 1912 for the C.P. Schulze family.  It is a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark.

Mary’s Playhouse in the backyard garden area is now open for visitors as well.  Originally built as a chicken coop, this building was adapted as a playhouse for young Mary Schulze in the 1920s.  Many original toys and items are included in the display.

Group tours may also be arranged for alternate days and time. Call 972-252-3838 for details.

To see photos of the Heritage House, visit www.irvingheritage.com.  For more information, contact 972-252-3838.