By Ann Craig-Cinnamon
The 6th annual Harvest Wine Tasting at the Ambassador House on Sept. 6 drew 300 people and raised more than $13,500. The event included painting sessions with Wine and Canvas, a photo booth, two musicians, three wine tasting stations, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.
Ambassador House curator Beth Clark said it was by far their largest attendance and the money raised goes to keeping up the historic house. “This money is essential to keeping the house open to the public and for events, and to developing community programs like our Victorian Family Christmas, Community Volunteers, house tours, and historical lecture series, which we intend to resume in 2015,” Clark said “Additionally, the money goes toward the operating budgets of our committees, including the Garden committee, which keeps the beautiful flower beds and rose garden in good shape.”
The original house was built more than 170 years ago as a two-story log home on what is now the northwest corner of 96th Street and Allisonville Road. The home became part of a farm owned by Addison and India Harris at the turn of the 20th century. A prominent Indianapolis attorney, Mr. Harris served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria-Hungary from 1899-1901.
A collaborative effort between the Fishers Town Council and members of the Fishers Historic Preservation Committee saved the house which was scheduled to be destroyed and it was moved to its current location in 1996.
Board member April Hensley of Leech Hensley Architects was instrumental in getting the house in the condition it is today following its move. She likes what has been achieved. “I think where they are headed is perfect. Just to be able to allow the public to come and use it and to activate it every single day,” Hensley said.”It’s used daily by people walking in the park. What a great place to come to see something historic. It’s not that you get to do that every day. This you get to walk it,” she says.
For more information about Ambassador House and upcoming events go to ambassadorhouse.org.
