The oldest home in Terrell still standing is the former home of Robert Adams Terrell for whom the town of Terrell is named. It was actually built in an octagon shape but has become know as the “Round House.” It is currently situated on the campus of the Southwestern Christian College. Historical marker notes that it was built circa 1865.

Legend had that it was built this way to look out for the Indians, but that isn’t so. The Indians were long gone from Kaufman County by the time this house was built. It was built this way for the light and the air to circulate. It was the first house with window glass in the county. The logs for the foundation were brought up by wagon from East Texas and hand hewn on the site. When the floor was removed a few years ago, the ax marks were still visible. There are only two octagonal houses left in Texas making it of great architectural interest.

More can be learned about the history of Robert Adams Terrell and his contribution to the great State of Texas in Dr. Horace P. Flatt’s book, “Cap’n Terrell’s Town.”

This unusual mansion was built in 1904 by prominent residents, Mr. Robert Lee Warren and Annie Cartwright Warren. House has 18 rooms, including a formal reception hall, two large drawing rooms, a conservatory; ten fireplaces; a basement and attic.

Soon after its completion in 1899 by W.P. Portwood, this house was sold to the Joy family who occupied it until 1953. A striking feature of the interior is a large pipe organ, located in the library. The house has had extensive restorations with unusual light fixtures, carved doors, etched glass windows, and beveled glass retained.

Built in 1893, this Southern Colonial house was enlarged and remodeled in 1910 by Marion Wickliffe Railey, then President of the First National Bank. Stately columns grace the entry. Restoration includes reclaiming two acres of land with its many old plantings.

The mural is a series of movie posters from the early days of Hollywood. The mural pays homage to the beginnings of this building as a movie theatre. The Iris Theatre, built by Leaman Marshall, opened in 1925 and was touted in the newspaper as “Terrell’s Finest Theatre”. (In the 1920’s there were three theatres operating in downtown Terrell – The Iris, The Palace, and the Lyric.)



The posters include “The Lady”, a silent film which was the first movie shown at The Iris. The Iris operated continuously as a movie theatre from 1925 to 2001 when the modern multi-screen theatres in Mesquite drew the crowds away from the historic single screen theatre. The mural also includes the poster for “Wings”, which was the First Academy Award winner of Best Picture.



The lady on the bench is Mrs. Marion Briggs, wife of John Briggs (a former mayor of Terrell) who was instrumental in clearing the way for the current owners to renovate the building into Books and Crannies after the Iris ceased operation. The cat beside her is Maddie, a long-time resident of Books and Crannies. Maddie was a Hurricane Katrina refugee who delighted customers for years as the bookstore greeter.



This mural was painted by Sunny Delipsey and was sponsored by The Terrell Heritage Society.



Also, don’t miss the mural of Charlie Chaplin on the rear door of the building which the current owners of the building had painted – also by Sunny Delipsey and sponsored by Books and Crannies.

In 1901, William Boggs (W.B.) Muckleroy married Miss Lucy Drake and in May 1913 they purchased this home from the builder, the Edwards-Elliott Lumber Co. Mr. Muckleroy was a funeral director and undertaker. The funeral home was located at the corner of Nash and Frances (in those days spelled Francis) in what is now known as the Masonic Building. The funeral home horses were kept in stables at the back of the property. During the Depression, Mr. Muckleroy fell on hard times and the property was sold at public auction to Mr. John C. Patton in 1931. It remained in the Patton family for 68 years.

During World War II thousands of British pilots learned to fly at six civilian training schools in the United States. One of these schools was located in Terrell, Texas. Because the United States was not in WWII at the time, it was essentially a secret training program, thus the bus says “Aviation School”.



After the United States entered the war, American Aviation Cadets also trained at the school. More than 2,000 Royal Air Force and American Army Air Force pilots earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945. Terrell’s citizens welcomed the student pilots to their community and many life-long bonds were forged.



Each person depicted in this mural is an actual person who either trained, worked, or taught at the No. 1 BFTS during World War II, Pictures from the Museum were used as reference for the mural.



Learn more about this incredible story by visiting the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum which celebrates this little known chapter of World War II history. Their collection includes hundreds of historical items: log books, training materials, WW II memorabilia and uniforms. The museum’s archives contains the most extensive record of the No. 1 British Flying Training School that exists. The museum is located at 119 Silent Wings Blvd in Terrell, just north of the mural.



Photo provided by Prouty Photography in Terrell, Tx. Mural painted by Sunny Delipsey from photos in the BFTS Archives.

A two story Mediterranean Revival built in 1923 by owner Matthew C. Roberts, prominent in real estate and banking, planned by architects Foshee & Clark of Dallas. The house has spiraling Corinthian columns flanking the front door and a two-story arcaded porch.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben S. Roberts built this home around 1913. The Roberts were very active socially and often hosted parties and teams for charities. The Browning Club Silver Tea was held annually at their home as well as many other functions. The Roberts family donated the use of the third floor of this home to be used as a USO center for servicemen who trained at the British Flying Training School in Terrell during World War II.

Built in 1985 by John H. Corley, a prominent Terrell banker, the house remained in the Corley family until 1981. The interior has remained unchanged and has been restored to its original grandeur. Features include a grand staircase, intricate fretwork and curly pine wood trim.