CIRCA 1960'S

The Bowman family were Texas Pioneers and owned a 2600 acre farm in Plano . On a visit to Florida , Miss Florrie Bowman met a dashing young Colonel James Edgar Wall. She Returned to Plano and James Wall followed her, they were married on January 10, 1894 . They went back to Florida where James Wall served as the US Postmaster until 1897. They returned to Plano and lived with her family while the home at what is now 1813 Avenue K was being built. The home was ready for occupancy in late 1898.

The home was considered the finest single-story residence in Plano at that time.   It was a classic example of Queen Anne architecture, boasting five coal burning fireplaces with hand carved mantles, stained glass windows, 11 foot ceilings, 10 foot tall pocket doors, and beautifully detailed woodwork.

   James and Florrie Wall had three children, the first born on April 12, 1896 . One son was born in the house in the bedroom off the foyer in 1901; his name was also James.

CIRCA 1970'S

CIRCA 1980'S

The Wall’s sold the house and moved back to Florida in 1907. The home was purchased by J.L. Jellison and his wife for a purchase price of $4000.00, which included a considerable amount of land.

   Cattle buyer W. Jeff Robbins purchased the home in 1908 and kept it as his family home for about 50 years. The Robbins family were known to frequently entertain guests.

Joe Henry Huston and wife Kathleen lived in the home with their daughters Kathy and Marlena after the Robbins’s departure.   Joe Huston was pastor of the Plano Missionary Baptist Church on Avenue P.

   Max and Sidna Leavenworth purchased the property in 1966 where Sidna turned the house and adjoining property into This Old House Nursery.   Eventually, the nursery portion was leased to Garrison Gardens who remain today. The house itself was leased to various tenants who sold antiques, crafts, clothing, and Christmas ornaments.

HISTORICAL LANDMARK DEDICATION

BILL CATE AND PLANO MAYOR JOHN LONGSTREET

OCTOBER 1994

1970'S PHOTO WITH THIS OLD HOUSE NURSERY

  Salyers – Cate Properties purchased the property in 1984 with the intention restoring and remodeling the house into offices. Restoration included leveling the house, all new wiring, new central heating and air conditioning, restoring all the original wood work and mantels, repainting the exterior, adding an additional bathroom, and creating a ballroom in the unfinished attic space.   The house was dedicated as a Plano Historical Landmark in 1994.

   The house and surrounding properties were purchased in September 2005 by Wall-Robbins House, LLC, a company consisting of members of the Garrison Family.