Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Guitar Mansion
The Guitars bought property on this site in 1905 and hired an architectural firm from Kansas City, Missouri, to design their new home. Guitar employees erected a Grand Mission-style house with Spanish influences at a total cost of $75,000 in 1910. An arcade of concrete arches beneath an elaborate parapet adorned the front of the house.
The five-bedroom mansion and carriage house faced the railroad, and the grounds encompassed half a city block. The edifice featured many high decorative details such as crystal and stained glass windows and fine wood and marble interiors. Innovative elements included security lights, intercoms, door bells, a heating system and a bowling alley with an early pin setter.
The Guitars reared eight children in the house, a showplace of Abilene society and a significant addition to the city’s architectural wealth. John died in 1936, and after Laura’s death in 1948 the house remained vacant. Vandalism and deterioration prompted the couple’s heirs to raze the house in 1964. Pieces of the structure, including a stone griffin holding a guitar, were placed in both museum and private collections in Abilene.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12217.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 32° 27.001′ N, 99° 44.36′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of N. 1st Street and Beech Street, on the right when traveling west on N. 1st Street. Marker is at northwest corner of intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1502 N 1st St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Weather Bureau Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Laughter Undertaking Co. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bankhead Highway (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Abilene's First School (approx. ¼ mile away); The Hotel Grace (approx. 0.3 miles away); Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hotel Wooten (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Texas & Pacific Railway (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
Also see . . . Photograph of Guitar Mansion. From The Portal to Texas History website. (Submitted on July 19, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 792 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.