"The ace of clubs" : a social and architectural history of the Draughon-Moore House, Texarkana, Texas, 1885-1985.

Abstract

The Draughon-Moore house in Texarkana, Texas is a nationally significant example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1885, the unusual design is an adaptation of the little-known octagonal style of architecture. It also incorporates the widely popular Italianate style, serving as an example of this style's diffusion to Texas in the late nineteenth century. Today, the house is preserved as a museum. Despite its significance, the history of the house has never been fully documented and it has rarely been included in scholarly studies of Victorian architecture. This thesis explores the structure's architectural history and analyzes the trends in nineteenth-century architecture that influenced the distinctive design. It also compiles a comprehensive history of the three families who lived in the home to create a better understanding of their life within the unusual structure. Finally, the work discusses various ways the architectural and social history of the house can be presented to museum visitors through interpretative themes. This thesis serves as the most complete record to date of the history of the Draughon-Moore house and lays the foundation for future research and interpretation.