PARKERSBURG — Members of the West Virginia Legislature held joint committee meetings at the Parkersburg Municipal Building and Judge Black Annex on Sunday, but their activities weren’t limited to those locations.

Senators and delegates toured multiple homes in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District Sunday afternoon, including the Caswell-Smith House on Juliana Street. Delegate Vernon Criss, R-Wood, said he approached some of the historic homeowners about offering tours even though the Christmas season and the district’s annual Christmas Home Tour and Tea are still three months away.

“The last time they were here was 20 years ago. The next time they’re going to be here is 20 years from now,” said Judith Smith, who owns the Caswell-Smith house with her husband Norman. “I said, ‘We’ve got to do it.'”

Among those touring the Smiths’ home was Delegate Rick Hillenbrand, R-Hampshire, who said this was his first real visit to Parkersburg.

“I may have driven through it in the past, but certainly not done any stopping and getting to know it,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t realize just how different the different parts of the state are,” Hillenbrand said, noting there are different demographics even in the 88th District he represents that contains portions of Hampshire and Mineral counties. “It helps us to have a more holistic perspective of the issues that are important.”

Legislative staffers, spouses and folks like Megan Roskovensky, a lobbyist for The Health Plan were also along for the tour.

“I was excited to see the homes in Parkersburg and get some ideas,” said Roskovensky, who owns a historic home in Charleston.

“We need an East End Historical District entrance like you guys have,” she said to tour guide Julie Deklavon, referring to the metallic arch welcoming visitors on Juliana Street.

Criss said he was pleasantly surprised by how many of his fellow lawmakers signed up for the tour, with another group heading up to see the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.

“One of the great things we have in Parkersburg is our history,” he said. The historic district is “a shining star for us.”

In addition to meetings Monday of the Joint Standing Committees on the Judiciary, Finance and Government and Finance downtown, other sessions were to take place Monday at the Machinery Training Center in Medina, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Parkersburg High School and the Wood County fire training center on Camden Avenue.

The interim session wraps today.