Historic Tyler on Tour, 2002
James - Robertson home
322 W. Fifth Street
Clara Mae James knew what she wanted and so she drew the plans for her own house without the guidance of an architect. Her husband, Louis L. James, drafted the construction contract. A long-time Tyler oil and gas attorney, Mr. James was accustomed to meticulous details and included in the plans the specific number of nails to be placed in each stud.
Built in 1939, the two-storied home is of the Classical Revival style, with Greek Revival influences. The half-timbered gable, supported by four Roman columns, dominates the home’s façade. An elliptical fan and sidelights surround the paneled front door. It’s not unusual to find these details on the grand homes that were built in the Azalea District during this prosperous period in Tyler’s history.
A chimney has always been on the east end of the house, but until recently, there was no fireplace in the living room. Mr. James had overseen the beginning construction of the fireplace flue while Mrs. James was out of town. Upon returning, Clara Mae declared that she did not wish to have such a thing in her living room where ashes could damage her fine rugs. The current owners, Tyler attorney Jim Robertson and his wife, Becky, finally opened the fireplace in 1994, planning to keep an eye on ashes and possible sparks! Their early 19th century gilded French mantel crowns the project.
The Jameses had three daughters: Nancy, also an attorney, Mae Tomlin, and Mildred Harris. The family’s maid, Annie Mae, lived in the servant’s quarters during the entire tenure of the James family on Fifth Street. Active in the Tyler Bar Association, the James were often host to social gatherings for the Tyler legal community with their Christmas party for lawyers and their spouses becoming a tradition. With the carpets rolled back, square dancing, especially popular in the 1950's, took place in the spacious den. One of the James’s daughters and a granddaughter had garden weddings at the home.
In 1976, Melville and Susan Madsen bought the property, but sold it in 1977. The property changed hands several times before being purchased by Becky and Jim Robertson. When the Robertsons became owners in 1984, they began several renovation and improvements projects. In addition to opening the fireplace, the circular front driveway was added for easier access from the now busy West Fifth Street.
In recognition of its architectural significance, in 2001 the home was designated a Tyler Historic Landmark by the Tyler Historical Preservation Board.
