Front porches make good neighbors

Photo by Emily Adams Keplinger

This sculpture at the corner of Jefferson and McLean adds artistic flair. It is one of several sculptures by local artists Roy Tamboli and Carol Buchman that can be found throughout the area.

Photo by Emily Adams Keplinger

Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger/The Commercial Appeal The porches on the houses in the Tucker-Jefferson area of Midtown add a distinctive flavor to the neighborhood, as well as encourage neighborly visits.

Photo by Emily Adams Keplinger

Neighbors Bryan and Rachel Baddorf (from left); Brandon and Lily Russell, with their children Clemens, Hazel and Jane; recently enjoyed socializing with Kathy McAllen at her home in the Tucker-Jefferson neighborhood. McAllen's house was the first stop for the group's progressive porch party which ultimately was moved indoors because of rainy weather.

Gathering on front porches is a time-honored tradition, especially in the South. And that tradition lives in the tiny jewel of a neighborhood known as Tucker-Jefferson albeit with a twist neighbors recently gathered for a "Progressive Porch Party." The intent was to draw neighbors outside to visit with one another, which is certainly nothing new to this social group. The newness of the visit came from moving from house to house as the evening and the courses went along.

Kathy McAllen has lived in Tucker-Jefferson for almost 15 years. She said she was drawn to the eclectic feel of the neighborhood, both in terms of the styles of houses and their inhabitants.

"We have single-family homes and retirement homes, renters and owners, businesses and restaurants and more lately, art students," explained McAllen.

With about 600 households, including apartment dwellers, in the area bounded by Cooper on the east, McLean on the west, Poplar on the north and Madison on the south, the area is affectionately known by those who live there as "where The Park (Overton Park) meets The Square (Overton Square)." Sculptures by local artists and residents Roy Tamboli and Carol Buchman can be spotted throughout the neighborhood, adding to the artistic flair.

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Front porches make good neighbors