Home for the holidays
By Jackie Perone
jackper@juno.com

Kevin and Janie Hall's home, 3608 Duncan Street, will be featured on the annual holiday tour of homes in Shandon and Hollywood- Rose Hill

Six historic residences nestled among the stately trees and inviting sidewalks of Shandon and Hollywood- Rose Hill,and Shandon Presbyterian Church and the recently renovated Hand Middle School, will welcome visitors December 2.

Shandon and Hollywood residents cherish their friendly streets, shady lawns, and neighborhood charm just as their forebears did almost a century ago. Shandon has been called by some "Columbia's first suburb," having been developed around Five Points in the early 20th century.

Many homes show antiques in the mellow halls. But historic homes lend themselves also to newer decorating techniques.

"We like modern art, and we tend toward the minimalist school of decoration," says Jamie Hall. "We have met most of the artists whose work hangs on our walls, and we try to keep the furnishings and other trim low- key to show off their work,"

Jamie and Kevin Hall bought their home at 215 Southwood Drive just two years ago from their friend Jodie McLean. It is exactly what they wanted: friendly and sheltered, children playing ball and chase and hide- and- seek through the neighborhood. A family- oriented haven.

Their house already received extensive renovation. In order to provide more space for their family of four children, the Halls enlarged it and added a pool and privacy fence.

"When the Shandon Tour was held last year, our remodeling was still under construction," says Jamie Hall. "This year it's all done and we're looking forward to a special Christmas. We're starting a new tradition, by having a Christmas tree set up in each child's bedroom.

"Sam is 15 and wants a military theme for his tree. At a crafts fair he found some shotgun shell casings, which we had fitted with lights for his tree.

"Mary Katherine is 14 and into soccer. She's putting a lot of red and green out.

"Callie, 12, and Lizzie six, share a room. They're going for pink and purple, with Barbie dolls on the scene.

"Our main tree will be in the family room. Something new in our neighborhood this year is a lighted iron palmetto tree outdoors."

The Halls also share their home with contemporary artists. A Jonathan Green hangs over the living room fireplace. Two large paintings by Marcello Novo symbolically depict Mary as the Tree of Life and Jesus embracing his fate on the cross. April Mess paints scenes reminiscent of her life in Africa as the child of missionaries. Tanya Gregg is represented also.

"We never met Jonathan Green, but we are acquainted with the other artists," says Jamie. "We make it a point for our children to know them also. They'll be able to put a face and a name and a life to the paintings in our home."

Attorney Kevin Hall came to Columbia from Atlanta, and recently his parents moved here from Atlanta. Now you might say everyone is home for the holidays.

The annual holiday tour of homes in Shandon and Hollywood Rose Hill will be held December 2 from 2 to 6 p.m. The following homes will be featured: 2416 Duncan Street, 3608 Duncan Street, 3612 Coleman Street, 119 South Walker Street, 512 Sims Avenue, and 215 Southwood Drive, along with Shandon Presbyterian Church and Hand Middle School. Tickets $15 advance at Kicks Exceptional Shoes, Gourmet Shop, Golf Headquarters, Art Shack, and Publix stores. For more information, Jenny Galbreth at 253-8480.

Four Richland One schools will benefit from the proceeds of the tour: A.C.Moore Elementary, Rosewood Elementary, Hand Middle, and Dreher High.