History : Earle Harrrison House

Built in 1858 for Dr. Baylis Wood Earle, wife, Ann Eliza Harrison Earle and family, this side-entry Greek Revival style home is Waco's only restored antebellum building. With nine cypress columns and longleaf heart pine exterior sheathing, the 5,000 square foot structure has fourteen foot first-floor ceilings, walkthrough windows onto verandas, and spacious rooms. It's collection of fine Victorian furnishings and artifacts were gifts from Waco citizens, along with pieces from the Earle and Harrison descendants.

Earle-Harrison House served as the home of the Earle and the Harrison families until 1891, when it's second owner, General Thomas Harrison (Eliza's brother) passed away. The house was sold upon settlement of the Harrison estate, and it passed out of the family's hands before the beginning of the 20th century.

Eventually becoming subdivided into apartments and falling into disrepair, the building was slated for demolition in order to build a hotel on its 1 1/4 acre lot. Relocation/restoration efforts began in 1967, with the impassioned vision of local residents, Nell Jurney Pape and Lavonia Jenkins Barnes. Columns and the roof were removed, and the oak timberframe structure was cut in half with a chainsaw in order to lift the upper and lower sections on to trailers for the 1.9 mile ride to it's site. A three-year restoration of the building was completed with architect Rayford Stripling's guidance. Public tours were first offered in 1970.

 

Half-tester bed: Located in the master bedroom, the popular Victorian bed style is one of two examples in the house.

The former parlor: Used for receiving guests who
were not intimately connected with the family, also
the site of family weddings and funerals.

Eliza Harrison Earle's piano
brought to Waco in an ox cart.

Circa - 1920 photo of Gus & Nell Pape.