Historic Tyler on Tour, 2007
Brown-Sledge-Hughes-Foster Home
Sharon & Bill Foster
1604 S. Chilton
As the oil boom was in full swing and Tyler prospered, more homes were built on Chilton. In 1932, Dr. Glynne Brown, who was a local surgeon, and his wife Evelyn built this Colonial Revival American Cottage style home. Over the years the home changed ownership several times. By 1947, the Sledge family purchased the home; they owned and operated the Sledge Manufacturing Company that manufactured overalls and quality work clothes. In the late 1960s, the Talley family became the owners of the home. About 1984, Craig Hughes and his attorney wife Karen purchased the home and remained there until 1999, when Sharon and Billy Foster purchased the house.
Over the years, few changes have been made to the exterior or the interior of the home other than painting and a few cosmetic changes. The floor plan is the same as it was when the Browns built the home.
Throughout the home are the original hardwood floors. Arched French doors, the brick patio, and the bathroom fixtures and floors also remain. In the master bedroom the original light fixture illuminates the room.
As you enter the living room of the home, you are greeted by the earliest fireplace and mantel. This room holds an old casting work cabinet that was purchased by the Fosters when Murphey the Jeweler closed its downtown shop. An old oilcloth rack is used to display Sharon’s extensive collection of “Present Mugs.”
In the den Sharon and Billy have displayed a crazy quilt from the1800s and artwork from Bill’s dad, a graphic illustrator. An old restored gas lamp hangs from the ceiling.
From buttons to World War II memorabilia, much care has been taken to display many of the things that the Fosters have lovingly collected over the years. In the hallway a chalk tray from an old school holds family photos.
Remarkably, this house has remained almost unchanged from it original 1930s design.
