Historic Tyler on Tour, 2005
The Pyron Home
Joan and Guy Pyron
212 West Dobbs
In 1932, Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey sold one of their lots to oilman Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Witherup for $1,250. They began building their English cottage at 212 Dobbs and we assume they completed it. But, by 1935, they sold the home to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Smith for 00. The Smiths sold the home five months later to Dr. H. R. Coats, who remained in the home until 1942. Over the years, the English cottage was bought and sold many times, but it has found happy owners in Mr. and Mrs. Guy Pyron.
The Pyrons, longtime visitors to the Tyler area, stood in front of the Davis home on South College and looked into the lovely yards of Lindsey and Dobbs during the Azalea trail. Mrs. Pyron turned to her husband and said, "Can you imagine living in a beautiful place like this?" Shortly thereafter, they sold a significantly larger home in Dallas and moved into their charming English cottage.
On the interior of the house, Mr. and Mrs. Pyron have made cosmetic changes and decorative touches. All paneling in the living room is original as are the wood floors and beams. Mrs. Pyron has decoratively painted the design on the mantelpiece, as well as the wall treatment and trim in the dining room. The sunroom, once an out door porch or patio, retains its original tile. Similarly, the tile in the kitchen is original and some say the kitchen was originally a "ceramic porch". Mrs. Pyron and her friend, Mrs. Carmichael painted adorable, decorative scenes of rabbits on the kitchen cabinets. Mrs. Pyron treated the music room, (the original kitchen), in a unique manner with grocery bags affixed to the walls for texture and color.
The Pyrons are quick to point out their labor of love, the garden. When they found the home, the garden was overgrown and neglected. Mr. Pyron likens his first experiences in the garden to an archaeological dig. There were sidewalks, bridges, barbeque pits and other garden features hidden by the overgrowth. Over the past ten years, he has almost single-handedly brought the gardens back to life. He, an oilman by trade, has learned horticulture, stonework, iron-work (for fences), landscape design and a bit of archaeology in the process. When he began working in the garden, it was filled with Pride of Mobile azaleas, but Mr. Pyron has systematically removed and replaced them with other varieties.
The gardens, beautiful and lush today, have been the Pyron's priority and passion. His garden has been published in Texas Highways and Neil Sperry's garden magazine. In March, the Pyron's garden will be featured in Garden Ideas and Outdoor Living, (published by Better Homes and Gardens).
The Pyrons are certainly reaping the rewards of all of their hard work. Surely, many who see it say, "Can you imagine living in a beautiful place like this?" We hope you enjoy touring the lovely home and fantastic gardens.
