The Queen Anne and Shingle style home located at 209 Grand Avenue in Waxahachie has silently presided over the town since it was first built in 1896. Enormous proportions, including a large expanse of porches, ornamentation and even an octagonal tower create a sense of wonder and mystery. Who built this home and what stories does it have to tell?
H. W. Trippet was a banker and civic leader in Waxahachie in the late 1890’s. The home he built at 209 Grand Avenue reflected Mr. Trippet’s esteemed position in the community. Unique architectural details are lavishly displayed – cedar fish-scale shingles, two wrap-around porches, and a porte-cochere for the carriage to drop off the family or guests without having to brave the elements. A large stone used as a carriage stop still remains to this day.
The property was later sold to Walter E. Shive, a successful seed, grain and coal store owner. The Shive family owned the home until it was sold to Robert and Wanda Bell sometime in the 1950’s. The story of how the home changed hands has become legendary in Waxahachie.
Maude Shive, the only remaining descendant of Walter, lived in the home for many years. She had no close relatives and she never married. Wanda Bell referred to Ms. Shive as an “unclaimed jewel” and described her as “very opinionated” and “a character.” Although Ms. Shive received many offers to sell the home, she refused. It had to be entrusted to the right family who would treasure the property and never damage it.
Enter Robert Bell, a humble, Waxahachie postal carrier. When Robert began delivering mail to 209 Grand Avenue, he had no idea that one day he would own such a grand mansion. Robert was a kind, gentle man who made friends with everyone he met. Slowly, as he faithfully delivered the mail every day, he got to know and admire Maude Shive. One day, she announced to Robert that she wanted to sell the house to him.
Robert was flabbergasted. He did not have that kind of money! He tried to dissuade Maude from her plan, but she was determined that Robert and his wife, Wanda, should live in the home and raise their family. A price was finally agreed upon, and the mansion at 209 Grand Avenue became the home of the Bell family.
Bell 3Wanda Bell recalls that their friends thought they were “crazy” for buying such a big, old house in need of repair. She still laughs that their friends “took up a collection to send them to the State Hospital in Terrell.” But when the Bells began throwing parties and holding get-togethers in the expansive rooms, their friends embraced the new residence.
Robert and Wanda had plans to restore the home themselves, but never seem to find the time. They were too busy raising their family. They did manage to enclose a back porch, which became the family’s main living area and den.
Robert and Wanda eventually became the proud parents of five beautiful daughters. Each girl had her own bedroom and there were always friends running around the property. One can almost hear the joyful laughter and fun that was shared by the Bell girls with their many friends.
