Historic Tyler on Tour, 2005
The Davis Home
Margaret and Gordon Davis
902 South College
Among the oldest in all of the Azalea District, the Davis home is perched upon a beautiful lot purchased by Mr. Sam A. Lindsey in 1914. The classic American "cottage" style home was built in 1926. The "cottage" style was beloved and often repeated in the '20's. What makes the Davis's façade distinctive is the Greek revival entrance. The fanlight, sidelights and portico "dress-up" and enhance the entrance to the home.
Though the original builders of the home are not known, the earliest records indicate that Mr. And Mrs. C.B. "Jack" Owen, (for whom Owentown was named), bought the home in 1944. To the cottage they added a new kitchen, utility room and bedroom. In making the improvements to the house, the Owens were disappointed to find their red brick was no longer available as the Marshall Brick Yard closed. Unable to match the existing brick, the Owens painted the cottage white to give a unified appearance.
The Owens sold the home in 1960 and it changed hands several times before finding its way into the hearts and hands of the current owners, Gordon and Margaret Davis. Since the purchase of their home in 1984, many improvements have been made. Complete remodeling of the kitchen and the addition of the breakfast room and outdoor deck have added to the charm of this home. Several years ago, while painting the exterior, the Davis found the original date of the home under the eaves. They have preserved original elements in the home such as the mantel in the living room, dining room light fixture, wood floors and tile in the bathrooms.
Previous owners of the home, Mr. and Mrs. Coursey landscaped the beautiful garden of this home. They planted six hundred azaleas and over a hundred camellias. To this lovely garden, the Davis have added over three hundred azaleas and actively maintain this beautiful space. Their loving care has produced a gorgeous backyard, which has been the site of several weddings, most notably, their son's.
The treasures of the Davis family and lifetime are found throughout the interior of their home. The heirlooms and memories have been collected and preserved by Mrs. Davis. We are so fortunate to get a glimpse of Tyler's history and the Davis's history as we tour this home!
