St. Francis Auxiliary presents its holiday home tour Sunday

The St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary will present its Christmas Twilight Home Tour from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine.

Homes on the tour include that of Jerry and Dottie Worley, Kathryn Yallaly, Dr. Joel and Patricia Ray, and Dr. Allan and Danette Gocio.

Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at the St. Francis Gift Shops, Volunteer Office, from auxiliary members or at any home on the tour.

Proceeds from the tour will go to benefit the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis.

Call Pat Miller at 331-5166 or Sherron Alexander at 243-3974 for more information.

Dr. Allan and Danette Gocio

151 S. Spanish Street

Dr. Allan and Danette Gocio welcome tour participants to peek into their historic home this weekend.

Many handmade Christmas decorations from the Victorian period will be displayed throughout the house. Rustic, wood-crafted decorations will be featured in Dr. Gocio's den.

The house was designed and constructed in 1838 for the Hoche family by Joseph Lansman. Lansman was a well-known, respected builder and brick mason at the time.

During this period, Lansman built St. Vincent's Catholic Church, the Young Males Academy and the St. Charles Hotel. He is also credited with the Common Pleas Courthouse, built in 1854.

The Gocios recently purchased the Hoche house, joining the ranks of several other Cape Girardeau families who lived there, including the Upchurch family, John and Evelyn Boardman, and Dr. and Mrs. James Hall. Five generations of Hoches were born in the home.

Kathryn Yallaly

656 Highland Drive

The home of Kathryn Yallaly may delight those who enjoy antiques, especially Christmas antiques.

This two-story limestone home will be decorated with several Christmas trees, one of which is a "travel" tree, featuring ornaments from the owner's travels throughout the United States, Ireland, London, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

The lower level of the Yallaly home will take visitors back to the 1950s with the silver trees that were so popular during that decade, according to tour organizers. There will also be paper-mache Santa Clauses, a candle Nativity crèche and more.

When it is not the Christmas season, this home, which was built in 1963-64, is filled with primitives, pottery, Depression glass and other items.

Jerry and Dottie Worley

1005 Wolf Lane

Christmas at Jerry and Dottie Worley's home is like stepping into a fantasy land both inside and out, twilight tour organizers believe. Each year, their home off Bloomfield Road reflects how they share their Christmas spirit with family and friends.

The outside of the home is outline in white icicle lights, giving it a winter wonderland effect. Five lighted deer placed among this design adds to the winter magic.

The inside of the Worley home is decorated to truly capture the memories and special feelings of their family at Christmas. Five decorated Christmas trees will be featured, each with its own theme.

The living room is highlighted by a Glass Tree. The dining room displays a Berry Tree. The family room has two trees, one that exhibits special treasures mostly made by the Worley children and another Reindeer Tree.

Dr. Joel and Patricia Ray

2717 Peachtree

Classic details and special materials give the recently remodeled Ray home its polished look. The two-story entry of leaded glass and lustrous marble opens onto the formal living room and dining room.

Fresh plants and forced bulbs from Dr. Ray's greenhouse will be displayed throughout the home. The sun room will feature a 15-foot Christmas tree decorated with sugared fruit and Santas.

The Rays' collection of oriental rugs that were purchased on a trip to Hong Kong complement their collection of artwork and sculptures. Even the galley-style kitchen with its use of commercial Viking appliances will captivate tour participants.

Cherry cabinetry and granite carry through to the adjoining gathering room and terrace. The Rays' fascination with the ocean and marine life is echoed throughout their home and is especially highlighted by a 175-gallon saltwater aquarium.