Carolyn Martens
As the holidays approach, it can only mean one thing! The Annual Parade of Homes is near! This is the largest fundraiser for the Durant Education and Service Sorority. The organization uses the funds they raise to monetarily assist several Bryan County organizations, such as the local schools, the Pregnancy Center of Bryan County, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, as well as several other local groups.
The Parade of Homes will take place on Sunday, Dec. 2. Homes on the tour will be open for viewing from 1-5 p.m. In conjunction with the Parade of Homes, there will be a gift show at Opera House Coffee, 200 Evergreen Street, from 12-5 p.m., with booths featuring beauty products, baked goods, clothing, and more! Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. They can be purchased from any DESS member, as well as at Bliss Boutique, Marie’s, The Medicine Store, Hot Shots, and Kopper Kettle.
The third home to be featured on the tour is located at 301 W. Willow, Durant, and it is owned by Darlene Zayko. Darlene is a retired bookkeeper from Canyon Lake, Texas. She purchased the home four years ago – sight unseen! She only saw pictures and fell instantly in love with the charming, cottage style home.
The home was built sometime between 1930-1938, and Darlene estimates her little jewel of a house to be approximately 86 years old. There are two bedrooms and one bathroom in this 1,063-square-foot home, and it also has a sleeping porch. The home is very unique in that it is built of stone and petrified wood. Some of the unique features inside the home are shiplap walls, hardwood floors, a claw foot tub, and the original doors with glass knobs. On the west side of the house, there is an old oil bit in the wall, along with other items.
