Historic Tyler on Tour, 2007
Ravenwood
Pollard-Tracy-Ellis Home
801 Troup Highway
In 1929 Texas State Senator Tomas G. Pollard and his wife Edna bought an 18-acre farm, including a farmhouse, at the outskirts of the city limits of Tyler. It was not until 1935 that architect Shirley Simons, Sr. designed and built a new Georgian Colonial style two story home for the family. By then, the estate had grown to 300 acres and reached to what is now Loop 323.
All the rooms downstairs open onto magnificent formal azalea gardens. Initially, the front door was the north entrance. Shirley Simons’ signature round window was above the front door. As was customary at the time, stars were added above the front door and the mantel in the drawing room to indicate that this was the home of a Texas State Senator. Mrs. Pollard later moved the front entrance to the west side of the home; this faced the Italian stone fountain, which was ordered from Erkins Studios of New York.
Landscape architect Maurice Shamburger, the first to use extensive plantings of azaleas in Tyler, designed the formal gardens in the 1930s. Locals, who enjoyed the approximately 1,500 azaleas in bloom, referred to the beautiful home and gardens as “Azalea Hill.” Many of the pecan trees planted in the 1930s still exist in the landscape. The gardens have been maintained in their original design.
In 1987 the Pollard estate was sold to Robert L. Tracy, a local businessman. A great- room overlooking the pool and a cabana were added, extending the living space of the home. Mr. Tracy completed the remodeling of the home in 1990.
Betsy and Elmer Ellis purchased the home in 1993. They have taken special care in keeping the original integrity of the home. Wood floors and many of the original features are still a part of this unique home including the elevator, still in working order. Much time and energy have been spent renovating the guest house and other buildings on the property. Two bomb shelters constructed in the 1950s are still on the grounds. Recently, a terrace using flagstones from the 1930s has been added to the formal rose garden, which contains several varieties of heritage roses.
Ravenwood, the official name of the estate, was designated a Tyler Historic Landmark in 1998 and accepted into the Smithsonian Institution of American Gardens in 1999.
With great pleasure, Betsy and Elmer often extend their hospitality through Ravenwood. Mrs. Ellis says, “The gardens themselves provide a unique view of Tyler’s past and current role in southern horticulture.”
