The Sycamore History Museum will present the annual Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour, also known as the House Walk, on Oct. 27.

Previously run by the Friends of the Sycamore Library, this event has been a favorite of festival goers for many years. This year’s theme is “Adapting Spaces,” and the locations are all historically significant, architecturally inspiring and warmly inviting. The Old East School, St. Alban’s Cottage, the James Edmund Ellwood home, the newly restored Chicago & Northwestern Depot and the Engh Farm – the current location of the Sycamore History Museum – will be featured.

The Old East School, 410 E. Elm St., is currently owned by Joe and Raechel Bassett. It served Sycamore children from 1880 until 1976, when it became a private residence. James and Margaret (Baack) Tucker were instrumental in restoring the property and remodeling it into living quarters. The original boys’ bathroom is still in the basement of the dwelling, and many of the original chalkboards are used as flooring in the main room. Visitors should ask about the “secret room” and catch the forboding portrait of one of the original school masters looking out over the upstairs landing.