212 Harbin
Owner Last Name Davis
Year built 1942
Lived here Since 2006
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Built by Warren Culbertson's father.
Any interesting discoveries We have a basement!
Upcoming renovations or restorations ongoing maintenance, painting, redo carpet are on the list, finish garden projects that were started.
Previous renovations or restorations In his house we have updated bath and kitchen, previously lived on East University and did bunches to that house.
Least favorite thing(s) about this house the plaster over cinderblock requires using a jackhammer-type drill to hand pictures.
207 S Hawkins
Owner Last Name Spalding Crabtree
Year built 1870
Lived here since this is a rental property
History or Stories (fact or folklore) In December of 1882, John Henry Spalding who was serving as the town marshal, was shot and killed while trying to arrest a drunk. The killer was hunted down, shot to death, and his body was dragged to the front of the home where John H. Spalding's new widow was told to come outside to see the man who killed her husband.
Famous (or infamous) previous owner This home was built by John Henry and Laura Parks Spalding in 1870 on the corner of W. Jefferson St. and S. Hawkins. Their story was the inspiration for great-grandson Robert D. Benton's Academy Award winning movie "Places in the Heart".
Any interesting discoveries When repairing a water leask in the dining room ceiling, we discovered that there had been a fire and the boards were scorched underneath the Sheetrock.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Restoration of the balustrade atop the front porch. Replacement of a few rotting front porch boards. New wall covering for several rooms.
Previous renovations or restorations The kitchen was updated in the early 2000s and central HVAC was added. A small upstairs bathroom was added in the late 1980s.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Family history.
Least favorite(s) Maintenance.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers This home was the primary set location for the Horton Foote movie "1918" filmed in 1985. Contributing member of the West End Historic District. Has been featured on the Gingerbread Trail.
Other comments This house is a great example of an early Queen Anne Victorian.
209 S Hawkins
Owner Last Name Spalding
Year built 1857
Lived here since This is a rental property.
History or Stories (fact or folklore) This home has been used as a set location for the Horton Foote film "1918".
Famous (or infamous) previous owner The home was built by William Woodruff Parks and is the second home built by him on land he purchased in 1856 after moving to Waxahachie from Tennessee in 1853. He and his wife Sophia Ann Koonce Parks had five daughters, the youngest of whom was born in Waxahachie. WW Parks served as district clerk commissioned by Sam Houston and was also a surveyor. When Texas seceded from the Union, WW Parks was commissioned as a captain in the Texas 19th Cavalry and died in Arkansas in 1862. His wife died the following year and his two oldest daughters Martha and Laura were left to raise their younger sisters.
Any interesting discoveries The name of one of my great-grandfather's brothers is scratched into a front window pane.
Previous renovations or restorations The home has had several rounds of maintenance restorations done but at 155 years of age is still somewhat primitive.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Its history and age.
Least favorite(s) Maintenance!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers The home is arguably the oldest surviving home in Waxahachie. It has been on the Gingerbread Trail and has plaques from Historic Waxahachie and the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Other comments I am the fifth generation owner of this home.
607 W Jefferson
Owner Last Name Spalding Crabtree
Year built 1910
Lived here since 1963 (off and on)
History or Stories (fact or folklore) This house is a "four square" prairie style home..
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Home was built by my great grandmother Laura Parks Spalding, inspiration for the movie "Places in the Heart" starring Sally Field..
Any interesting discoveries Original wall paper can be seen on inside of window seat. It was pretty wildly colorful.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Landscaping the backyard and exterior painting of the siding will need doing again soon.
Previous renovations or restorations One-story addition and porte cochere added in 1998. Rear deck added in 2005. My parents did some interior renovations in 1972 and 1973.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Location, tall ceilings, the wrap-around porch, my family's history here.
Least favorite(s) The basement. Homes in blackland prairie shouldn't have one. The 1973 remodeled kitchen is too small!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Home has plaques from National Register of Historic Places, Historic Waxahachie Inc., the Heritage Preservation Commission, Gingerbread Trail, and Candlelight Home Tour. It is a contributing member of the Historic West End District.
Other comments I am the fourth generation family member to own this home.
417 W Main
Owner Last Name Silver
Year built 1883
Lived here since 2000
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Dr. D G Thompson.
Previous renovations or restorations Complete interior restoration.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Original basket weave parquet entry hall floor, semi circular stairway with mahogany banister, cherry mantles with ornate tile surround, original gingerbread.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Texas landmark, National historic registry, Waxahachie historic marker.
817 W Main
Owner Last Name Kauffman
Year built 1890
Lived here Since 1993
Any interesting discoveries We loved that our home was built by a single woman, who also started a school in Waxahachie. She built the home as a rental property.
Upcoming renovations or restorations We are looking for a new one!
Previous renovations or restorations We did the first restoration on 309 East Marvin, and 109 North College here in Waxahachie, and 815 North Ravinia in Oak Cliff, in Dallas.
Favorite thing(s) about this house We love the smaller house and yard, and we love being on Main Street.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Contributing member of the NR West End His. Dist., Gingerbread Trail, Christmas tour.
818 W Main
Owners M/M Jones
Year built 1925
Lived here since 1998
Previous renovations or restorations Added back porch.
1020 W Main
Owner Last Name Reynolds
Year built 1891
Lived here since1983
Famous (or infamous) previous owners R.J. Moore and Elizabeth Sweatt Moore were the first owners. He was son of J.W. Moore, a state legislator. She was the daughter of Dr. R.P.S. Sweatt. R.J. was important to Waxahachie in the field of commerce as owner of a large merchandising business, and as a stockholder in the railroad and in the building and loan association. In 1902, they sold to G.C. Sweatt, the county sheriff for 13 years. The paper heralded him as "the county's best loved and most widely known official when he died at his home in 1921. He was also the County Tax Collector. Upon his death, his wife became the first woman in the area to enter public office when she became District Clerk. The next owner was R. J. Reasonover, Road Overseer of Ellis County. We are the 8th owners.
Any interesting discoveries After tearing off 100 years of wallpaper, cheesecloth, wallboard and anything else people put on walls and ceilings over the years, we discovered the wonderful, original beadedboard. The house had been made into a duplex in the 1940's and transoms were covered over. Uncovering those, we were surprised to find the original wavy glass. Also, doorknobs and scounces had a million coats of paint which we were able to beautifully restore. Studying walls, etc. from the attic and from underneath the house, helped us put together a history of what had been done to the house, and bring it back to a single family dwelling.
Upcoming renovations or restorations continual upkeep.
Previous renovations or restorations Ralph restored 4 house in Winnetka Heights, and helped on many others. He was one of the founders of The Winnetka Heights Historic District in Oak Cliff.
Favorite thing(s) about this house We love the history, and having met many people during the restoration and since who have lived in the house, each contributing interesting stories and information. Least favorite thing about the home is the lack of closets!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Gingerbread Trail twice - Candlelight Tours twice - WHPC marker - National Registry of Historic Places marker - Featured in Dallas/Ft Worth Antique Digest.
323 E Marvin
Owner Last Name Brewer
Year built 1911
Lived here since 2006
History or Stories (fact or folklore) built by Noah and Catherine Pierce.
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Mayor Carrol Todd lived here in the 1920s.
Any interesting discoveries a brick-lined cistern under the house. Original wallpaper
Upcoming renovations or restorations continuing to paint the exterior.
Previous renovations or restorations rewired, new plumbing throughout and central heat and air. Added stairs to the attic off the main entry. Completely remodeled kitchen and baths.
Favorite thing(s) about this house The large kitchen and huge dining room. Lots of trees. Original hardware, trim, wood floors and pocket doors. Huge wrap-around porch.
Least favorite(s) small closets.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers HWi and WHPC markers. Preservation Award (HWi) in 2009.
Other comments Only 5 families have lived in this home over the last 99 years.
617 E Marvin
Owner Last Name Seibert
Year built 1905
Lived here Since 1999
History or Stories (fact or folklore) The home was built by Tom P. Whipple on land deeded to him by his mother, Mrs. James C. Fears, for "$1.00 and love and affection." He later built the house next door at 621 E. Marvin
Famous (or infamous) previous owner none
Any interesting discoveries no
Upcoming renovations or restorations Always!
Previous renovations or restorations Added/restored covered back porch.
Favorite thing(s) about this house the dining room and kitchen are huge. And we love the big trees that shade the entire house.
Least favorite(s) small bathrooms and a lack of storage.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Two Christmas Home Tours ( 2000 and 2007).
Other comments During our first Christmas home tour, we were honored to meet a former resident of the home who lived here as a child when it was a rent house in the 1930s. After her death we obtained a victrola and other personal items which were used by the family while living here. Our upstairs bedroom is "Marie's room", complete with her portrait. Even with the small bathrooms and a lack of storage we love this house
309 University
Owner Last Name Young
Year built 1920 by F.R. Adamson
Lived here since June 2009
History or Stories (fact or folklore) I was told that during the war the Plummer sisters actually rented out two of the four bedrooms. This would explain entry doors into two of the bedrooms!
Famous (or infamous) previous owner House sold in 1930s to sisters, Ona and Laura Sue Plummer, schoolteachers and active members of the Central Presbyterian Church. Resided here until mid-1970s.
Any interesting discoveries F.R. Adamson bought lot from George C. Bullard for $2,000 on 8/7/1920.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Replacing metal roof.
Previous renovations or restorations Enlarged the master bedroom suite. Originally, it was two small rooms that have been converted to one large bedroom.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Love the wrap around porches and the Porte Cochere. A great house with great features!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Historical marker, Gingerbread Trail.
Other comments A great example of Craftsman influenced bungalow.
212 Harbin
Owner Last Name Davis
Year built 1942
Lived here Since 2006
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Built by Warren Culbertson's father.
Any interesting discoveries We have a basement!
Upcoming renovations or restorations ongoing maintenance, painting, redo carpet are on the list, finish garden projects that were started.
Previous renovations or restorations In his house we have updated bath and kitchen, previously lived on East University and did bunches to that house.
Least favorite thing(s) about this house the plaster over cinderblock requires using a jackhammer-type drill to hand pictures.
207 S Hawkins
Owner Last Name Spalding CrabtreeYear built 1870
Lived here since this is a rental property
History or Stories (fact or folklore) In December of 1882, John Henry Spalding who was serving as the town marshal, was shot and killed while trying to arrest a drunk. The killer was hunted down, shot to death, and his body was dragged to the front of the home where John H. Spalding's new widow was told to come outside to see the man who killed her husband.
Famous (or infamous) previous owner This home was built by John Henry and Laura Parks Spalding in 1870 on the corner of W. Jefferson St. and S. Hawkins. Their story was the inspiration for great-grandson Robert D. Benton's Academy Award winning movie "Places in the Heart".
Any interesting discoveries When repairing a water leask in the dining room ceiling, we discovered that there had been a fire and the boards were scorched underneath the Sheetrock.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Restoration of the balustrade atop the front porch. Replacement of a few rotting front porch boards. New wall covering for several rooms.
Previous renovations or restorations The kitchen was updated in the early 2000s and central HVAC was added. A small upstairs bathroom was added in the late 1980s.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Family history.
Least favorite(s) Maintenance.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers This home was the primary set location for the Horton Foote movie "1918" filmed in 1985. Contributing member of the West End Historic District. Has been featured on the Gingerbread Trail.
Other comments This house is a great example of an early Queen Anne Victorian.
209 S Hawkins
Owner Last Name SpaldingYear built 1857
Lived here since This is a rental property.
History or Stories (fact or folklore) This home has been used as a set location for the Horton Foote film "1918".
Famous (or infamous) previous owner The home was built by William Woodruff Parks and is the second home built by him on land he purchased in 1856 after moving to Waxahachie from Tennessee in 1853. He and his wife Sophia Ann Koonce Parks had five daughters, the youngest of whom was born in Waxahachie. WW Parks served as district clerk commissioned by Sam Houston and was also a surveyor. When Texas seceded from the Union, WW Parks was commissioned as a captain in the Texas 19th Cavalry and died in Arkansas in 1862. His wife died the following year and his two oldest daughters Martha and Laura were left to raise their younger sisters.
Any interesting discoveries The name of one of my great-grandfather's brothers is scratched into a front window pane.
Previous renovations or restorations The home has had several rounds of maintenance restorations done but at 155 years of age is still somewhat primitive.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Its history and age.
Least favorite(s) Maintenance!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers The home is arguably the oldest surviving home in Waxahachie. It has been on the Gingerbread Trail and has plaques from Historic Waxahachie and the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Other comments I am the fifth generation owner of this home.
607 W Jefferson
Owner Last Name Spalding CrabtreeYear built 1910
Lived here since 1963 (off and on)
History or Stories (fact or folklore) This house is a "four square" prairie style home..
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Home was built by my great grandmother Laura Parks Spalding, inspiration for the movie "Places in the Heart" starring Sally Field..
Any interesting discoveries Original wall paper can be seen on inside of window seat. It was pretty wildly colorful.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Landscaping the backyard and exterior painting of the siding will need doing again soon.
Previous renovations or restorations One-story addition and porte cochere added in 1998. Rear deck added in 2005. My parents did some interior renovations in 1972 and 1973.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Location, tall ceilings, the wrap-around porch, my family's history here.
Least favorite(s) The basement. Homes in blackland prairie shouldn't have one. The 1973 remodeled kitchen is too small!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Home has plaques from National Register of Historic Places, Historic Waxahachie Inc., the Heritage Preservation Commission, Gingerbread Trail, and Candlelight Home Tour. It is a contributing member of the Historic West End District.
Other comments I am the fourth generation family member to own this home.
417 W Main
Owner Last Name Silver
Year built 1883
Lived here since 2000
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Dr. D G Thompson.
Previous renovations or restorations Complete interior restoration.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Original basket weave parquet entry hall floor, semi circular stairway with mahogany banister, cherry mantles with ornate tile surround, original gingerbread.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Texas landmark, National historic registry, Waxahachie historic marker.
817 W Main
Owner Last Name Kauffman
Year built 1890
Lived here Since 1993
Any interesting discoveries We loved that our home was built by a single woman, who also started a school in Waxahachie. She built the home as a rental property.
Upcoming renovations or restorations We are looking for a new one!
Previous renovations or restorations We did the first restoration on 309 East Marvin, and 109 North College here in Waxahachie, and 815 North Ravinia in Oak Cliff, in Dallas.
Favorite thing(s) about this house We love the smaller house and yard, and we love being on Main Street.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Contributing member of the NR West End His. Dist., Gingerbread Trail, Christmas tour.
818 W Main
Owners M/M Jones
Year built 1925
Lived here since 1998
Previous renovations or restorations Added back porch.
1020 W Main
Owner Last Name ReynoldsYear built 1891
Lived here since1983
Famous (or infamous) previous owners R.J. Moore and Elizabeth Sweatt Moore were the first owners. He was son of J.W. Moore, a state legislator. She was the daughter of Dr. R.P.S. Sweatt. R.J. was important to Waxahachie in the field of commerce as owner of a large merchandising business, and as a stockholder in the railroad and in the building and loan association. In 1902, they sold to G.C. Sweatt, the county sheriff for 13 years. The paper heralded him as "the county's best loved and most widely known official when he died at his home in 1921. He was also the County Tax Collector. Upon his death, his wife became the first woman in the area to enter public office when she became District Clerk. The next owner was R. J. Reasonover, Road Overseer of Ellis County. We are the 8th owners.
Any interesting discoveries After tearing off 100 years of wallpaper, cheesecloth, wallboard and anything else people put on walls and ceilings over the years, we discovered the wonderful, original beadedboard. The house had been made into a duplex in the 1940's and transoms were covered over. Uncovering those, we were surprised to find the original wavy glass. Also, doorknobs and scounces had a million coats of paint which we were able to beautifully restore. Studying walls, etc. from the attic and from underneath the house, helped us put together a history of what had been done to the house, and bring it back to a single family dwelling.
Upcoming renovations or restorations continual upkeep.
Previous renovations or restorations Ralph restored 4 house in Winnetka Heights, and helped on many others. He was one of the founders of The Winnetka Heights Historic District in Oak Cliff.
Favorite thing(s) about this house We love the history, and having met many people during the restoration and since who have lived in the house, each contributing interesting stories and information. Least favorite thing about the home is the lack of closets!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Gingerbread Trail twice - Candlelight Tours twice - WHPC marker - National Registry of Historic Places marker - Featured in Dallas/Ft Worth Antique Digest.
323 E Marvin
Owner Last Name Brewer
Year built 1911
Lived here since 2006
History or Stories (fact or folklore) built by Noah and Catherine Pierce.
Famous (or infamous) previous owner Mayor Carrol Todd lived here in the 1920s.
Any interesting discoveries a brick-lined cistern under the house. Original wallpaper
Upcoming renovations or restorations continuing to paint the exterior.
Previous renovations or restorations rewired, new plumbing throughout and central heat and air. Added stairs to the attic off the main entry. Completely remodeled kitchen and baths.
Favorite thing(s) about this house The large kitchen and huge dining room. Lots of trees. Original hardware, trim, wood floors and pocket doors. Huge wrap-around porch.
Least favorite(s) small closets.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers HWi and WHPC markers. Preservation Award (HWi) in 2009.
Other comments Only 5 families have lived in this home over the last 99 years.
617 E Marvin
Owner Last Name Seibert
Year built 1905
Lived here Since 1999
History or Stories (fact or folklore) The home was built by Tom P. Whipple on land deeded to him by his mother, Mrs. James C. Fears, for "$1.00 and love and affection." He later built the house next door at 621 E. Marvin
Famous (or infamous) previous owner none
Any interesting discoveries no
Upcoming renovations or restorations Always!
Previous renovations or restorations Added/restored covered back porch.
Favorite thing(s) about this house the dining room and kitchen are huge. And we love the big trees that shade the entire house.
Least favorite(s) small bathrooms and a lack of storage.
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Two Christmas Home Tours ( 2000 and 2007).
Other comments During our first Christmas home tour, we were honored to meet a former resident of the home who lived here as a child when it was a rent house in the 1930s. After her death we obtained a victrola and other personal items which were used by the family while living here. Our upstairs bedroom is "Marie's room", complete with her portrait. Even with the small bathrooms and a lack of storage we love this house
309 University
Owner Last Name Young
Year built 1920 by F.R. Adamson
Lived here since June 2009
History or Stories (fact or folklore) I was told that during the war the Plummer sisters actually rented out two of the four bedrooms. This would explain entry doors into two of the bedrooms!
Famous (or infamous) previous owner House sold in 1930s to sisters, Ona and Laura Sue Plummer, schoolteachers and active members of the Central Presbyterian Church. Resided here until mid-1970s.
Any interesting discoveries F.R. Adamson bought lot from George C. Bullard for $2,000 on 8/7/1920.
Upcoming renovations or restorations Replacing metal roof.
Previous renovations or restorations Enlarged the master bedroom suite. Originally, it was two small rooms that have been converted to one large bedroom.
Favorite thing(s) about this house Love the wrap around porches and the Porte Cochere. A great house with great features!
Honors, home tours, awards or historic markers Historical marker, Gingerbread Trail.
Other comments A great example of Craftsman influenced bungalow.