Historic Tyler on Tour, 2007
Allen-Wiley-Babin-Holmes Home
Barbara & Worth Holmes
1615 S. Chilton
Located just south of the Brick Street area, this Azalea District home sets on a double lot, which extends into the center of the block. When the Richard Allen family, between 1935 and 1937, built this Colonial Revival style home, a garage apartment was built in the rear. Most homes in the neighborhood were homes of professionals and businessmen. Mr. Allen worked as the Chief Dispatcher for the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, commonly known as the Cotton Belt Railway.
From 1942 until the late 1960s, the Wiley family lived in the home. By the mid-1970s, Dr. Wayne Babin, who was a local dentist, and his family occupied the home. They sold the home in 1990 to the Rev. Dr. David Galloway, who was the rector of the Christ Episcopal Church, and his wife Mary. Making few changes, they lived in the home until 2001, when the Holmes purchased the dwelling.
To maintain the home’s integrity, much care has been taken by the present owners, Barbara and Worth Holmes, to use period materials and styles unique to the 1930s.
As you approach the house, you are greeted with the original front door composed of rose-colored inserts and beveled glass. In the foyer, Barbara has displayed her mother’s green Croesus glassware from the 1890s. Another piece of interest is a family heirloom, a bachelor’s chest from the 1760s. Upstairs, a bedroom is furnished with antique beds that were once in the Blair House, the President’s guesthouse, in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home, many features are original including the hardwood floors, arched cabinets in the eating area, iron work on the stairway, and the unique Bakelite doorknobs.
Barbara and Worth have used their love of antiques to accent the home. In the living room is a child’s rocker that belonged to Barbara’s uncle; as well, there are some beautiful lamps that were discovered in her grandmother’s barn. With its unique marble fireplace, the sunroom, off the living room, has crank windows original to the house. They have kept the unique thick plaster walls. Even the original elevator still exists; the Holmes have future plans to make it once again operational.
In various parts of the house, Barbara, an accomplished artist, has displayed several pieces of her artwork, as well as, that of her daughters. Trompe l’oeil painted on the walls around the arches is artwork done by Barbara.
