Historic Tyler on Tour, 2006
The Wiley House
Larkin & Rick Forman
627 S. Fannin
Built in 1890 by Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Hillsman on a lot which was part of the Old Charnwood School Property, this home was probably originally a one story Queen Anne Cottage. This property was among the first developed on South Fannin in the new Charnwood addition. In 1891 the home sold to J. A. Edson, general superintendent of the Cotton Belt Railway. His railway connection accounts for the beautiful curly pine accents in the home which otherwise would have been difficult to bring to Tyler.
Mrs. Alice D. Wiley, widow of Thomas J. Wiley, a Confederate veteran and a leading merchant of the county, purchased the home in 1909. It was retained by the Wiley family after Mrs. Wiley’s death in 1920 and used as rental property. Present owner Larkin Forman discovered that her father had lived in the home during this period, about 1927.
The family of Walter C. Wiley, son of Thomas, moved into the house in 1931. Walter was a hardware merchant and president of East Texas Crate and Basket Co. His wife, Louise Eucharist Favre Wiley, was a fine musician and a teacher of violin. In 1973 the home sold to Thomas Brooks Epperson and was both his home and interior design studio.
Though originally a Victorian cottage, the home has evolved through the years to its present appearance, that of a New Orleans Garden District type home. It retains 14 ½ foot ceilings, original hardware, bronze and crystal chandeliers and fine original mantles on the four fireplaces. The front doors are also original to the home.
When owners Larkin and Rick Forman stepped on the front porch, they fell in love with the house. This unique and deep porch projects beyond the house walls becoming a one story portico flanked by square bays. It is a perfect place for welcoming and entertaining guests, especially on their famous Friday afternoon happy hours. Thank you Larkin and Rick for sharing your wonderful home with us.
