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In 1983, as part of a high school project, Amy (one of the daughters) researched the history of the home and applied for a Texas Historical Marker. The Marker is proudly displayed on the front porch, to the right of the grand entrance into the home.
The passage of time has dulled the woodwork and ornate interior details. The inlaid parquet pattern in the hardwoodBell 4 floors is sometimes difficult to see, but still remains intact. A colorful stained glass window in the foyer reflects the sun’s rays, just as it has been doing for more than 100 years. The five sets of pocket doors remain, as do the eight fireplace mantles, adorned with beautiful tile. The main staircase, with its built in window seat, attests to the grandeur of the home.
All five bedrooms are upstairs. A wrap-around porch connects the hallway and two bedrooms on the west side of the home. Presumably, the windows were opened to let in the cool breezes at night in the time before the air was “conditioned.”
A plain door hides the stairway to the attic, which encompasses the basic footprint of the house. The construction techniques used in the late 19th century are evident in the large, thick beams that span the space, without a center support. The attic floor is expansive and contains several alcoves, including the tower seen on the west side of the home.
One story that has been passed down about the original owners of the home involves their children. The Trippets had a strict rule about where their children could play with their toys. Each child was assigned an alcove in the attic. They could play in the attic as much as they pleased, but they were never to bring any toys downstairs. Only at bedtime could a treasured doll or other toy be brought down.
The passage of time has brought the home to another crossroad. Wanda Bell can no longer live in the home by herself, and has moved to another, smaller home. An estate sale in November brought throngs of curious people to see the contents and the interior of the property. The home now stands ready for a new owner – someone who will devote the time, money and love to restore it to its former beauty.
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