Texarkana Museums System
Ace of Clubs House
420 Pine Street
Texarkana, Texas
Welcome to the
Ace of Clubs House!
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 bath and kitchen wings. The Moore family also replaced the original iron galleries with a Spanish Revival porch by 1920.
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 1900 vintage 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 Olivias shoes, which were purchased primarily at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas. Beautiful grounds complete the tour of this unique home.
The Ace of Clubs House Legend
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 , the last occupant of the house, deeded it to the Texarkana Museums System.
The Ace of Clubs House Floor Plan:
First Floor
Christmas at the
Ace of Clubs
Each year, the Ace of Clubs decorates for the holidays and offers special events beyond the regular touring schedule. Decorations remain up until the end of January.
Call TMS at 903-793-4831 for more information or visit the Texarkana Museums System website for schedules and rates.
Click the link at left to visit the website.
Hours:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday
Tour Times:
10:15 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
3:00.p.m.
Prices:
Adults: $6.00
Seniors Citizens (60 or older): $5.00
Students and children: $4.00
(college students must present college i.d.)
Children aged 4 and under : Free
Holiday Closings and Special Events:
Visit the
website for information.
What others are saying about the Ace of Clubs House:
"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
& favorite of PBS series
"The Antiques Roadshow"
The Ace of Clubs House in 1903
From the Draughon-Moore Archives
For more information
Click HERE.
Visit the Texarkana Museums System website for information on scheduling your wedding, reception or other event at the Ace of Clubs House!
click image at left to see how you can make your wedding historic!
Photo by Clint Smith
