Historic Tyler on Tour, 2003
BROWNLOW HOUSE, 2015 S. College Ave.
In 1934 a young doctor, Sidney Bradford and his wife, Goldie, traveled to Chicago to visit the World’s Fair that was known as “A Century of Progress”. While there they found the plans to their dream home. The British Colonial home, which featured all the latest technology, was sponsored by Marshall Fields Department Store and was used to showcase their furniture. Upon returning to Tyler, the couple began to construct their home, with the help of local architects, Gregory and Cates. Maurice Shamburger did the original landscape design.
The house features all of the original brass hardware and many original plumbing fixtures. The ceiling design between the entry hall and the living area is a repeat of the design on the front porch. In every room are special touches and details such as the Art Deco design in the stairwell.
In the main living areas, the beautiful crown moldings as well as the walls were made of plaster. The marble surrounding the fireplace is from Vermont. There are several “pocket doors” that slide into the walls. This allowed an open flow of traffic, as well as privacy when desired. One of the outstanding features in the dining room is the wallpaper. It is hand-blocked wallpaper from the original construction. In the kitchen is the original range hood and a very eye catching curved breakfast table with built-in bench seating. The cabinets are original.
The home was built around a covered outdoor living area that opened to the back gardens. The floor of this veranda had a star design constructed of tile mosaic. Large hand-made brick columns provide support for the second floor. The Bradfords later enclosed the veranda to make a garden room. Mrs. Bradford held bridge parties out here with up to eight tables of bridge.
This house was the first in Tyler to have air-conditioning. Mrs. Bradford, who was an avid gardener, continued to live in this home until shortly before her death in 1999. So amazingly, we have a historic home that had the same occupants for over 60 years.
In 2000 another young couple found their dream home. Kelley and Casey Brownlow were visiting from Houston when they first saw the house and fell in love with it. Although at the time they had no plans to move to Tyler, they took a leap of faith and made a winning offer on the house. The Brownlows have updated the décor of the house, but have been careful to preserve the integrity of the original design. Casey, who is a landscape designer, is currently restoring the gardens. Kelly has her hands full with a very energetic toddler named George (a.k.a. The KING). The King has a regal palace in which to grow up.
