ACE OF CLUBS HOUSE
 420 PINE STREET, TEXARKANA, TX 75501

"You rarely see a house that is so perfect in every detail and spans the years of a family having the house for 100 years."
-Bob Vila,  star of TV's hit "Home Again"

"The Ace of Clubs House is a real Texarkana Treasure."                                                               -Stuart Whitehurst, V.P. Skinner Auction House and favorite of the PBS Series "The Antiques Roadshow"

According to local legend, money to build the Ace of Clubs House came from the winnings of a poker game won with the draw of the ace of clubs.  Local lumberman, entrepreneur and Confederate Veteran, James H. Draughon, built the home in 1885 in a trefoil design resembling the shape of the ace of clubs playing card.  In 1887 Mr. Draughon sold the home to William Whitaker, another prominent local businessman.  Mr. Whitaker sold the home in 1894 to Henry Moore, Sr., a local attorney and planter.  For ninety-one years, three generations of the Moore family occupied the home.  In 1985 Olivia Smith Moore deeded it to the Texarkana Museums System.  

This unique Italianate Victorian style structure features a floor plan said to be inspired by James Draughon’s lucky card.  One rectangular and three octagonal rooms are arranged around a central octagon, which serves as the rotunda of the home.  In the early 1900s, the Moore family added bathroom and kitchen wings.  The Moore family also replaced the original iron galleries with a Spanish Revival porch in the 1920s.

 Restoration of the house, which began in 1987, included returning the interior to the 1901 Edwardian appearance—featuring gilt-trimmed ebonized woodwork and re-creations of original wall coverings where possible.  Exterior colors were matched as closely as possible to the turn-of-the-twentieth-century colors.

  Historical interpretation of the home reflects the period of the 1880s through the 1940s.  Visitors journey through time as each room depicts a different decade during the years that shaped 20th Century America.  Original Moore Family furnishings and belongings help convey the story of this unique home.  One of the premier collections from the Moore Family is that of Miss Olivia’s shoes, which were purchased primarily at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas , Texas .  Beautiful grounds complete the tour of this unique home.

Dining Room

 

First Floor Plan

 

The Ace of Clubs House, Carriage House and lawn are available throughout the year for rental.  Consider the beautiful 1885 home for a wedding, reception, lawn party, or for your next club or business meeting.  Professional portraits may also be scheduled for inside or outside photography sessions.  For information about rentals click here.  

For information about tours and admission prices click here.


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