Texarkana Museums

07/05/2024

Texarkana Tidbits: Early Life of Olivia Smith Moore

Did you know? Olivia Smith was born in Tyler, Texas, in December 1894, the daughter of Dr. Charles Adna Smith, chief surgeon for the Cotton Belt General Hospital.

When the railway moved its headquarters to Texarkana, the doctor moved his family into a home on Pine Street, just a few blocks down from the Ace of Clubs.

Young Olivia excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of her Texas High School class in 1911. She was also an athlete, playing on the girls' basketball team.

After high school, Olivia attended the University of Missouri, where she continued to demonstrate her academic prowess. She graduated summa cm laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi fraternity, serving as her chapter's president.

Upon returning to Texarkana after college, Olivia taught Spanish at Texas High School. She remained in this position until her marriage in 1920.

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07/03/2024

07/03/2024

Don't Miss This!

07/02/2024

Every Friday this month, in honor of our upcoming “Stepping Through Time” Exhibit and Fundraiser, our Texarkana Tidbits will be shining a spotlight on a true local legend - Ms Olivia Moore, the remarkable woman who championed the preservation of our beloved Ace of Clubs House.

Stay tuned for a fascinating journey through time, from Ms Moore's early days to the present, where her work lives on in unexpected ways.

You won't want to miss this intriguing tale of legacy, leadership, and lasting connections!✨

06/29/2024

Reminiscent of days gone by, Texarkanians lined up in front of the old Bryce's cafeteria to enjoy authentic Bryce's bites as a close out to the Texarkana Museums What's Cookin' Texarkana exhibit.
Susie Orand, owner of Suzie Q's and The Lunch Box Catering provided the yummy 'bites' from original Bryce's recipes. Thanks Susie!!
The Museum continues to bring regional history and fun back to downtown.

06/27/2024

Texarkana Tidbits: The Families of The Ace of Clubs House
Part #4 "The Moore Family"

Did you know? The Moore family was the last and most influential family to reside in the iconic Ace of Clubs house. In 1894, the Moore's- Katherine Fleming Moore, her husband Henry, and their four children – Henry Jr., Mildred, Charles Beatty, and young Phillip – made this iconic residence their home.

Tragedy struck early when their youngest, Phillip, just six years old, lost his life after being kicked by a horse in the yard.

Years later, in 1920, it was Henry Moore Jr. and his wife Olivia Smith who became the last residents of the Ace of Clubs house. They moved in with their two children, Katherine and Henry III, unaware of the remarkable legacy they would leave behind.

Olivia, a woman of refined taste and foresight, recognized the historical significance of their home. Her efforts led to the house being designated a Texas Historical Landmark in 1964 and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Olivia's true passion lay in her vast collection of over 500 pairs of shoes, mostly acquired from her beloved Neiman Marcus. After her passing in 1985, these treasured possessions remained, adding an air of intrigue to the house's allure.

In a final act of preservation, Olivia bequeathed the Ace of Clubs house and all its contents to the Texarkana Museums System, ensuring that this family's legacy would be safeguarded for generations to come.

Step through time and join Texarkana Museum.

06/21/2024

Texarkana Tidbits: The Families of The Ace of Clubs House
Part #3 "The Whitaker Family"

Did you know? In 1887, William Lowndes Whitaker, Sr. acquired the Ace of Clubs home and lived there until 1894. The Whitakers made several renovations and improvements to the house during their stay, including installing leaded glass around the front doorway to allow more light into the rotunda, and adding red enameled glass (derived from colloidal gold) in the family-entrance doorway as a symbol of wealth.

The Whitakers' involvement in establishing key infrastructure like gas, water utilities and railroads supported Texarkana's growth during their residency in the iconic Ace of Clubs House in the late 19th century.

Dora Whitaker, wife of William Lowndes Whitaker Sr., played an active role in St. James Episcopal Church during the time her family lived in the Ace of Clubs House.

Step through the gilded doors of history and join Texarkana Museum.

06/14/2024

Texarkana Tidbits: The Families of The Ace of Clubs House
Part #2 "The Draughon Family"

Did you know? It is estimated that J.H. Draughon owned as much as 25 percent of the wealth of Texarkana at one point.

One intriguing story claims J.H. Draughon served as captain of a citizen’s committee, or group of vigilantes that cleared out the town’s lawbreakers in 1881. These lawbreakers were mostly gamblers and were accused of robbing citizens at night and fleecing men in the saloons during the day while corrupt city officials looked the other way.

A group of about 40 citizens, with J.H. as captain, took to the streets with guns and rounded up about twenty-five corrupt city officials and gamblers. They ran them to the town’s edge and told them to never enter the city again.

Join the Texarkana Museum and bet on the house that cleaned up the town!

06/10/2024

The Museum congratulates the L-E Leopards baseball team , coaches, & parents on winning State. We are proud of you!

06/07/2024

Texarkana Tidbits: The Families of The Ace of Clubs House Part #1

Did you know? There were three families that lived in the Ace of Clubs house:

1. The Draughon family:
James Harris Draughon, a Confederate veteran, lumberman, and early mayor of Texarkana, built the house in 1885 with $10,000 he allegedly won in a poker game. He lived there with his wife and children Alice, Addie, and James Jr.

2. The Whitaker family:
In 1887, William Lowndes Whitaker, Sr. acquired the building and lived there until 1894.

3. The Moore family:
In 1894, attorney Henry Moore, Sr. purchased the house. His son Henry Moore, Jr. and daughter-in-law Olivia Smith moved into the house in 1920. After Henry Jr.'s death in 1942, Olivia remained in the house until her own death in 1985, at which point she deeded it to the Texarkana Museum System.

Keep following this special 4-part series as we share tidbits on each of these families during the month of June!

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05/31/2024

Texarkana Museums System is proud to announce the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the TLL Foundation. "Click" for sound.😀😀

05/31/2024

Announcement!
Get ready for an exclusive glimpse into "The Families of the Ace of Clubs House"! Starting this Friday, June 7th, we'll be releasing a special 4-part series every Friday morning during the month of June, taking you behind the scenes and introducing you to the incredible families who called this place home.

Stay tuned for brief stories, inspiring journeys, and a celebration of the vibrant community at the Ace of Clubs House. Like, share, and spread the word!