Historic Tyler on Tour, 2006
The White House
Dr. Helen Williamson & Chris Williamson
116 Lindsey Lane
Located in the Azalea Historic District, this imposing two story gable roofed Tudor Revival style home was designed and constructed in 1930 for successful Tyler general contractor Hugh E. White and his wife Mary Lee White. The Whites raised their family here and in 1986 the family heirs sold the home to Dr. and Mrs. William Schreiber. The third owners were Kelly and Debby Buster.
The current owners, Dr. Helen Williamson and her son Chris Williamson, have extensively restored the home and added many unusual and unique antiques. Persian and Chinese deco rugs add to its charm.
In the large vaulted living room, there are four plaques representing the crests of Dr. Williamson's family. These hang on the restored cherry paneling. The adjoining card room, now a library, contains reminders of Dr. Williamson's years as an educator. In the living room the balcony and door, quite small in height, were originally designed and built by Mr. White for his petite wife.
Looking from the living room out across the grounds toward Broadway, there is a dramatic sloping lawn which as the story goes, has a car buried beneath the rise. In the living room over the fireplace, are two ruby glass sconces with pictures of Turkish monarchs, designed by Chris Williamson, who is an interior designer.
The house is surrounded by lush landscaping that features mass azalea plants, as well as mature trees and lawn. It is a good example of an expansive high style dwelling built as a direct result of wealth created by Tyler's prosperity during the 1920s and the East Texas Oil Boom that began in 1930 to 1931.
Of note in the first floor guest bedroom is an armoire which held the robes of the Supreme Court Justices of Texas. The garden room was originally an open porch which the Williamsons enclosed. The windows were ordered for Bo Pilgrim's pool pavilion but did not fit. Consequently Chris was able to buy them for the garden room.
The turret room upstairs was originally a closet. The Williamsons have opened the ceiling to reveal the original cedar planking. The home has been carefully and faithfully restored combining the best of the original features with modern comforts. And though the Williamsons insist that it is a work in progress, it is wonderful just as it is, and we appreciate them sharing it with us.
