The Smith House

Built between 1887 and 1889 by O. F. Parks, this stately Victorian has the builder’s initials elaborately carved in the front door, but he never lived in the house. Although it was evidently purchased by an attorney, a realtor and a New York investment firm, it was unoccupied until 1907. The style of the house is both “Stick” – cypress siding, asymmetrical molding and windows, and linear porch columns and balusters – and “Queen Anne” – dominant gables, fishscale shingles, decorative corbels and finials, and hexagonal bay construction on two sides of the home. The wraparound front porch leads to two different front doors, each with a morning-glory etched glass.

William “Buck” Stiles purchased the home in 1907. Farmer, landowner, a vice-president of the Waxahachie National Bank, major in the Waxahachie Cotton Mills, and civic leader, Stiles and his wife Eudora were also the parents of nine children. All sons except one were immensely successful in oil and mineral production, and daughter Metta was a graduate of Randolph-Macon College. Hence it was a major disappointment when a local variety store owner (and former Ellis County cotton-picker) asked for their daughters hand in marriage. Metta begged for her parents’ consent, which was finally given. The Stiles gave financial assistance to the couple who moved to Dallas where the son-in-law became involved in business, politics, and banking. Later he was elected mayor of Dallas, and a major freeway was named in his honor. The laborer and dime store owner’s name: Robert L. Thornton.

Mrs. Stiles reportedly added a bathroom adjacent to the gentleman’s parlor in the late 1940’s. As a widow, she could help support herself by renting the two rooms to local college girls. The home remained in the Stiles family until 1964. In the early 80’s massive renovations were undertaken by the Calhouns, which included rebuilding and enclosing the first and second floor sleeping porches on the right wing of the house. A sunroom was added by the Webbs in the early 90’s. In 2002 Jeff and Sue Ellen Smith purchased the 115 year old beauty and began the process of restoring the home, taking it back to period –appropriate beauty with modern day convenience.