A lot of interesting things are happening in the old town these days, and this new tour highlights a lot of it. We start on Franklin Street, which has a passel of textbook examples of mid-19th century architectural styles. Second Empire, Stick Style, and Italianate are at every turn. It’s not every day you see a tree like the one in front of 404 Franklin St., either. A natural historic landmark, it is the starting point of our tour.

You’ll also see two new renovations: St. Louis Church and the Beaux Arts Catholic Union Building, plus the recently saved Metzger Building on Main St., and quaint cottages on quiet streets.

Sept. 4 Sat. 9:30am
Allentown East walking tour
2-hr walk, $8 general public/$6 Campaign members. Meet under big tree at 404 Franklin St. betw. Edward and Virginia, rain or shine
Call 884-3138 for more info.

The Campaign for Greater Buffalo regrets to announce that it will ahve to cancel its Soldiers' Circle tours scheduled for 6pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept 3-5. It needs all hands available for its Architectural Revival. For more information, call Tim Tielman at 884-4831.

A big revival-style tent is going up on Bidwell Parkway and Elmwood Avenue once again this Labor Day Weekend. Sponsored by The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture, the big top will shelter a bubbling pot of urban planning ideas put together by nationally prominent architects. Added this year is a daily show and sale of tens of thousands of vintage postcards of every type of building imaginable from across the country. The Revival, free and open to the public, takes place September 3, 4 and 5. The only thing you need to bring is a lawn chair. Food and drink will be available.

This year’s theme is Turning Public Spaces Into Lively Civic Places. “We do the Architectural Revival to educate, inspire and empower citizens to change their communities for the better. We focus on traditional city and village neighborhoods, which are the centers of community life.” says Tim Tielman, executive director of The Campaign. “We have some great assets we can make even better if more people get engaged in urban planning. We really believe citizens are the experts. They know best what makes, or would make, their neighborhoods tick. The Revival is a place where everyone can come together and share ideas and be inspired to take charge and get exciting places built in their communities.”