Historic Tyler on Tour, 2004
The Oates-Gross Home, 223 East Third
The house at 223 East Third was built by Tyler contractor R.T. Collins for Wilton Daniel and his wife Myrtis for a sum of ,600. There were only two other homes on the street as this time. Gulf State Lumber Company where Mr. Daniel served as executive vice president supplied most of the materials for the house. Myrtis & Wilson Daniel and their five-year-old daughter moved into their home immediately after their son Danny was born.
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel were involved in the Tyler Industrial Foundation and the Rose Society. Their home was often used to entertain. The 1950 Rose Queen's Tea was held in their garden and the garden of the home to the east.
Mrs. Myrtis Daniel Smith grew up in this house and has many fond memories. She remembers hearing the music from Bergfeld park concerts and the Caliope from the circus thru her bedroom window. She also recalls several wives of Camp Fannin military men staying in the garage apartment during World War II. Myrtis and Wilton Daniel lived in the home until 1986 when it was sold to the present owners, the Oates-Gross family.
This 1940 Colonial Revival style home is beautifully landscaped with gorgeous mature trees and mass plantings of azaleas. A large multi pane bay window is the focal point of a projecting gabled roofed bay at the northwest corner of the house. Above the window is a cast stone pineapple motif which symbolizes hospitality.
Over the years the Oates-Gross family has significant changes changes to this home. A lovely lap pool was added in the back yard in 1988. The guest house was updated over the original garage and a large screened in porch was added on the east side of the garage over looking the pool. The kitchen was completely updated in 1996. The 1600's Dutch birdcage fixture over the breakfast table is a lovely addition. In the same year an extension was added to the back of the home. This added more room for a laundry room and living space downstairs and updated bathrooms and living space for the family's two daughters upstairs.
The original wood floors through out the home have been refurbished. Most of the fixtures on the exterior and the interior of the home are original. The family room has a great view of the pool and back lawn.
This home is a very good example of a high quality home built during the oil boom in East Texas. After touring this inviting home, it is easy to see why both families have made it their home for so many years.
