The United States is a country chock full of rich history. It might seem a very young country compared to some of the really old ones in Europe and other places around the world, but it has still managed to accumulate enough history in its short time of being that it makes many other countries look boring in comparison. The lone star state is no exception to this fact.
The Earle-Harrison House, located in Waco, Texas, is a part of some of the smaller historical locations in the United States. Some places, like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Pearl Harbor, have a ton of history behind them.
Other places are known for relatively smaller feats or for just having served a purpose in some historically significant person’s life. The Earle-Harrison House is one such case, a relatively unknown residence that, until very recently, was slated for demolition.
Who Used to Live at the Earle-Harrison House?
The Earle-Harrison House was the residence of one Dr. Baylis Wood Earle. Dr. Baylis Wood Earle resided in the house with his wife, Eliza Harrison Earle, and his nine children.
The house remained the home of the Earle and Harrison families until the year 1891, when its current owner – Eliza’s brother General Thomas Harrison – passed away and the house was sold. Given that Dr. Baylis Wood Earle passed away in 1859, it is prudent to mention that the house wasn’t only notorious for being his home, though it did gain fame because of the good doctor.
Who Was Dr. Baylis Wood Earle?
Dr. Baylis Wood Earle, born in South Carolina in the year 1801 to parents John Baylis and Sarah (Taylor) Earle, is known for being an excellent practitioner of medicine. He grew up in South Carolina, but later moved to Alabama. He also lived in Mississippi for some time before he ultimately settled down in Texas, in the city of Waco. It was here that Dr. Baylis Wood Earle found success and fame in his profession and spent the rest of his days.
What is the Earle-Harrison House Like?
The Earle-Harrison House is a beautiful exhibition of the famed Greek Revival style of architecture. In a way, the house is only a “half house”, as Dr. Baylis Wood Earle never got to see the construction of the house to completion due to his untimely demise. The house’s remaining construction was never carried out, and the house remained as it was in the 1850’s.
The Earle-Harrison House has five acres of oak trees, neatly maintained lawns, and a 75-foot rose arbor in addition to a lily pond. The interior of the house features spacious rooms, 14-foot high ceilings, and multiple large windows that lead to verandas. The house is furnished with beautiful 19th Century furniture, and seems to be frozen in time due to never being redecorated. The furniture also includes a beautiful piano that used to belong to Eliza Harrison Earle.
The house stands today as a proud member of Waco’s history, not just because of its past history as the house of a respected doctor but also because of its ageless beauty. The fact that a portion of the interior furniture consists of items donated by citizens of Waco themselves only cements the house’s place in Waco’s history of beloved places that the residents of Waco hold dear.
The Earle-Harrison House Following Dr. Earle’s Passing
When Dr. Baylis Wood Earle passed away shortly after having moved into the house, the place quickly fell into disrepair. It was divided up into apartments, and everything inside and outside the house started to fall apart. In the following years, the house became an ugly blot on Waco’s map, and it was decided that the old residence was impeding the way of progress and should be torn down to make way for a motel.
If it hadn’t been for two residents – Nell Jurney Pape and Lavonia Jenkins Barnes – the house would have been demolished. Instead, Nell Jurney Pape founded the foundation that set out to restore the house to its former glory, and today, the Pape Gardens around the Earle-Harrison House are named after Nell Pape. The house’s roof and nine Cyprus columns were removed, and the structure was sawed in half using a chainsaw.
The dismantled house was then relocated to a new site 1.9 miles (roughly 3 kilometers) away, where it was then masterfully restored to perfection over the course of three years under the guidance of architect Rayford Stripling. In the year 1970, the house was first opened to the public for tours, and a plaque was awarded from the Texas Historical Commission later in the same year.
Other Interesting Facts About the Earle-Harrison House
The Earle-Harrison House is a fascinating landmark with a rich history. Beyond the well-known details about its residents and architecture, there are many other intriguing aspects to this historic home. Here are some interesting facts about the Earle-Harrison House.
- Architectural Style: The Earle-Harrison House was designed in the Greek Revival style and was popular in the mid-19th century. This style is characterized by tall columns, symmetrical shapes, and elaborate doorways.
- Historic Preservation: The house has undergone several preservation efforts to maintain its original condition. These efforts help keep the house looking as it did during Dr. Earle’s time.
- Gardens and Grounds: The surrounding gardens and grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a glimpse into the landscaping trends of the 19th century. They provide a serene setting for visitors to enjoy.
- Museum and Tours: Today, the Earle-Harrison House operates as a museum, offering guided tours to educate visitors about its history and the era it represents. These tours provide in-depth insights into the lives of its past inhabitants.
- Event Venue: The house and its grounds are also used as a venue for weddings, receptions, and other events. Its historic charm makes it a popular choice for those looking to celebrate special occasions in a unique setting.
- Film Location: The Earle-Harrison House has been featured in various films and television shows, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. Its authentic period look makes it an ideal filming location.
- Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs and workshops for students and history enthusiasts. These programs aim to teach participants about 19th-century life and the history of the house.
- Community Involvement: The Earle-Harrison House plays an active role in the local community, hosting events and activities that engage residents and promote historical awareness.
- Historical Artifacts: The house contains a collection of historical artifacts from the 19th century, including furniture, clothing, and personal items that belonged to its original occupants. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past.
- Architectural Tours: In addition to regular tours, the house offers specialized architectural tours that focus on the design and construction techniques used in the 19th century. These tours are perfect for architecture enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Earle-Harrison House is far from the only house in the United States with a historical past tied to it, but it does hold the distinction of being the only one open to the public in the city of Waco, Texas. If you’re touring around the whole state of Texas, however, there are plenty more fun places to visit, fun things to do, and cool sights to see in the state of cowboys and guns.