On March 25, 2008, the Chilton-Taylor House located at 727 South Chilton Avenue was formally presented with the Tyler Landmark of Historic Places Plaque by Mr. Mike Paterson, Chairman of the Tyler Historic Preservation Board. The home, now owned by John and Ellen Musselman, is currently being used as the home of the Southwest Operating Company offices.
The home was built in 1888 by Horace and Mary Chilton. They lived in the home until 1902. Mr. Chilton was the first native-born Texas to serve as a U.S. Senator. The home, designed by Mr. Bob Stevens, a local Tyler architect, boasts Greek revival architecture with large Corinthian columns that surround the house. A cantilevered balcony stretches around three sides of the home.
There was several different owners’ from 1902 to 1910. In 1910 Mr. Gus Taylor purchased the home and the Taylor family lived in the home for 45 years. Mr. Taylor was the president of the then newly formed Citizens National Bank; he was active in civic and business activities in the community. The house was sold and used as the Caldwell Playschool # 2 for almost 50 years until closing in 1998.
In January 2005, the Musselman’s purchased the property and began interior renovations. In the renovation process, paintings were discovered on the ceilings and walls depicting scenes of the Alamo and several European landscapes. Uncovering these paintings required painstakingly stripping away each layer of paint using a single edged razor---truly a labor of love!
On December 5, 2008, the Historical Preservation Board recommended to the City Council to approve the placement of the Chilton-Taylor House on the Tyler Register of Historic Places. At the January 9, 2008, City Council meeting, the Council unanimously approved the landmark designation.