With temps in the mid 40s, it was a perfect night for the 32nd Annual Oaklands Candlelight Tour of Homes. What was once the long tree-lined carriage drive to the 1815 plantation, became Murfreesboro's first subdivision. It was those homes, some old and some creatively new to look old on the outside, but contemporary inside, that made up this year's tour.

Even the old Johnny Matthews Grocery Store at 310 N. Maney Avenue were open. The beautiful strips of wood that covered the ceiling, walls and floor of the structure made it unique. Owner Linda Stephens said earlier in the evening, a man who delivered groceries on a bicycle from that store visited.

This year's tour included the 1897 Queen Anne style home at 503 N. Maney Avenue that now houses the corporate offices of Demos and Peter D's Restaurants.

And of course, Oaklands Historic House Museum was decorated in the holiday splendor of the late 1800's.

There were musical groups along the roadway, which added even more to the ambiance of the night.

The area was developed after the Civil War. As a result of the Union aggressors, the Maney family lost their crops, livestock and most forms of income. As a result, they had to start subdividing the land on either side of the long carriage path. Purchasers of the lots were assured use of Maney Springs, which was ample to sustain the 1,500 acre plantation. As a matter of fact, the spring still flows today.

North Maney Avenue is experiencing a dramatic revitalization. These days a mix of young persons, seniors and all ages in between call this beautiful area home.