Historic Tyler on Tour, 2008
The Candlelight House
1503 South Chilton
In 1930, N.P. Powell, an oilman, and his wife Bertha hired an architect from Dallas to design a two story home for them to be built at 1503 South Chilton. Located in the South Park Heights Subdivision, developed by J. A. Bergfeld, the land was originally part of the 125 acres used by the Confederate Gunworks during the Civil War.
By 1931, the same year Peoples Bank was constructed on the square, the home was completed and the Powells moved in. Allen Tooke, a noted decorator, has described the home as the purest example of French Classic architecture in Tyler.
A well known decorator from Dallas was hired to help Mrs. Powell acquire the pink marble fireplace mantel from Siena, Italy for the living room and the railing for the stairway from France. Today, they are still in the home, as grand as they were in 1931. The stonework on the exterior around the windows and doors is original, as well as, the slate tile roof. All the gutters and downspouts are copper and are still maintained by the present owner.
In the late 1960s, after living in the house for over 35 years, the Powells built a new house on Park Heights Circle and moved. The Chilton house sat vacant for a few years. In 1971, Shelba and Walter Johnson bought the home. The Johnsons, with the advice of contractor Elmer Sharpe, a respected builder, made only one change in the home. That change was in the kitchen where the cabinets were too tall for Shelba. They had been designed for the Powell’s cook who was very tall.
Thirty years later, in 2002, Shelba and Walter Johnson sold the home to Carrie and Bennett White. Furnishing the home with European antiques and family pieces, the Whites have not changed the home from its initial design. Although maintenance repairs have been made and the walls replastered, the original moldings have been used and all the original flooring remains, as well.
Carrie and Bennett have made the garage into a guest house. An outside fireplace and pool with its French fountain have been added, as well as, a European style cobblestone drive in the front which was added this year.
With only three owners since it was constructed in 1931, each homeowner has shared a deep love for this home.
We are very grateful to Carrie and Bennett for hosting the Candlelight Party and sharing their beautiful home with Historic Tyler on Tour.
