Ace of Clubs welcomes a full house

Iconic Texarkana structure deals historic hand to tourists

B uilt in 1885, the Draughon/Moore Ace of Clubs House in Texarkana, located at 420 Pine Street, is the oldest home in the community, standing just on the Texas side of the border. It gets its name since it is shaped like the ace of clubs and is a unique Italianate Victorian style structure.

Legend has it that the design also came about because the original owner, James Harris Draughon, won the $10,500 to build the house in a poker game and won the draw of the ace of clubs.

The house exchanged hands a few times and was in the longest ownership and residency of Olivia Smith Moore, who remained in the house until her death in 1985. At that time, her will gave it to the city of Texarkana with the stipulation that it be turned into a museum. It is currently one of three museums operated by the Texarkana Museums System. For the past 18 years, Melissa Nesbitt has served as the museum’s curator, showing her passion for the old home as she does guided tours through the parlor, music room, the Draughon Room and dining room on the first floor, and the four bedrooms on the second floor. The architecture and heirlooms inside the 6,000square-foot facility are priceless, reflecting the period.

Restoration of the house, which began in 1987, included returning the interior to the 1901 Edwardian appearance, fearing gilt-trimmed, ebonized woodwork and recreations of original wall coverings where possible. Exterior colors were matched as closely as possible to the turn-of-the-century colors. The house’s exterior is made of concrete and has remained solid through its 127-year history, although upkeep and regular cleaning is an ongoing concern.

Visitors enter through the gift shop and pay a $6 tour fee, which helps offset costs, along with several nostalgic gift items that are for sale. Nesbitt then takes guests to a room beneath the dining room, both of which are located in the ace of club’s “stem,” to watch an informative 15-minute video on the history of the home, told through the eyes of the five women who served as matrons, finishing with Olivia. During each subsequent ownership, additions and modifications to the home were explained.

One of the most eye-catching exhibits sits on the second floor in Olivia’s bedroom, the largest of the four sleeping quarters. During her lifetime, she collected over 500 pairs of shoes, and they are all on display on the floor, dresser tops, in a huge walk-in closet and dressing room.

Henry Moore Jr., Olivia’s son, is the last living family member who lived in the Ace of Clubs and will soon celebrate his 81st birthday.

The Ace of Clubs House and lawn are available throughout the year for rental to help offset operating costs. Different levels of membership are also available.

“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,” Nesbitt said.

For those who love old homes, the unique Ace of Clubs House is a must see. The museum is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 903-7934831 or visit www.texarkanamuseums.org.

The Ace of Clubs House is Texarkana, Texas’ oldest existing home

An old pump organ in the Draughon Room was created in honor of the builder and original owner, James Harris Draughon

Olivia Smith Moore, the final owner of the Ace of Clubs House, owned more than 500 pairs of shoes, most of which are on display at the house