Historic Tyler on Tour, 2005
The McKinley Home
Elisabeth and Jim McKinley
207 Lindsey Lane
In 1938, Mr. And Mrs. W.I. Jenkins built this Colonial Revival style home now owned by the McKinley family. The Jenkins employed Gregory and Cates Architects to design the home with paned windows, dark shutters, a symmetrical, white clapboard façade, an end-gabled roof and an entrance with beautiful sidelights. In its 66 year life, 207 Lindsey Lane has known four families, all of whom have left their mark while maintaining the home's architectural integrity.
The Jenkins sold the home to Louise and Bill Nenny in the 1950's. Their most noticeable change to the house actually affected the yard. Along with several neighbors, including Tom Joyner and Smith Reynolds, Sr., the Nennys made several trips to Mobile, Alabama to purchase azaleas. The Nenny's landscaping can still be seen today. The "President Clay" azalea and the "Mobile" azaleas on the east property line are original to their mid to late 1950's landscape projects. Not long after, in 1960, the Azalea Trail began on Lindsey Lane.
In 1965, Jobeth and Jack W. Trantham bought the home. Over their 32-year tenure, the Tranthams undertook many capital projects. These projects were both practical and aesthetic. On the practical side, the Tranthams added central air and heat, took in a screened porch, sheet-rocked the interior and installed a picture window in the old breakfast area. The aesthetic elements include updated bathrooms, built-in cabinets, and bookshelves in the sunroom and bedrooms. Some of the more beautiful additions were the marble entryway and chandeliers. In 1985, the Tranthams replaced ninety percent of the azaleas. The culmination of their yard projects must have been when they were awarded "The Best of Show" during the Azalea Spring and Flower Trail.
After long admiring the home and neighborhood, the McKinleys bought it in 1997. At first, they made only cosmetic changes such as removing existing carpets, re-carpeting upstairs, refinishing hardwood floors, repainting, re-wallpapering and window coverings. The McKinleys removed the fabric on the stairwell walls and exposed the original wood walls. They, then, painted the wood to resemble stone.
Recent updating by the McKinleys includes the beautiful kitchen and breakfast area. With the past in mind, the McKinleys expanded and improved the existing kitchen. The chrome fixtures, marble back splash, lighting and hardware are in keeping with the late thirties style of the home. Thoroughly modern appliances and decorative elements bring the home into this century. The addition of the kitchen, mudroom, laundry room, porch and patio were completed in the past year. The McKinleys have made many changes to the landscaping and continue to have works in progress. Their efforts were recognized in 2001 with the Azalea Trail "President's Award".
There is much to see from the past and present at this lovely home. We hope you enjoy this beautiful Candlelight tour home.
