Historic home tour to benefit HELP Ministries.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

SCOTTVILLE — When Lisa and Jon Runk purchased the historic Mack home at 110 N. Columbia Ave. two years ago, they knew they wanted to share it with others. The couple is offering an opportunity for the public to tour the home and to also help a local charity this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from donations will be given to HELP Ministries of Ludington.

Lisa Runk decorates a tree.

The home was built in 1907 and was originally owned by George Mack, who owned a clothing store in downtown Scottville. That clothing store eventually became Schulte & Thompson men’s store and is now the southern portion of South Main Tavern. It is one of at four houses in Scottville that have a similar styles and were originally owned by prominent businessmen.

“This house is an absolutely beautiful home and we want to share it with the community,” Runk said. Her goal is to rent out the main floor of the house for small parties and receptions.

Every room in the home is decorated for Christmas, Lisa’s favorite holiday. Many of the decorations are fitting to the turn-of-the-20th-century style of the home. Among the decorations are 16 Christmas trees throughout the house.

Multiple trees is a tradition the Runks started 19 years ago when their children were young. “We bought our children an ornament for Christmas and decided it would be neat if each of the kids had their own tree.” The Runks have four children.

While the house tours will be self-guided, Lisa and her family will be on hand — dressed in turn-of-the-20th-century clothing — to answer questions. Lisa loves talking about the house. She said she has been doing research on the home and the Mack family and would appreciate any information anyone has to offer.

She said she chose HELP Ministries because she likes the organization’s mission, to help those in need. The organization provides home furnishings for people in need.

The Mack house is located at the corner of North Columbia Ave. and East Broadway, one block north of State Street (U.S. 10).