Welcome to the Historic Mark in Mission, Texas, an emblem of early 20th-century architectural elegance and a testament to the rich tapestry of local history. This Mission Revival style home, constructed in 1915, was the brainchild of James W. Simmons, a prominent civic leader, and his wife, Susan S. Gregg, a direct descendant of Denton county pioneer Darius Gregg. The home captures the essence of the Arts and Crafts movement with its open floor plan, stucco walls, and exquisite leaded glass windows.
The Simmons’ residence was not just a home but a reflection of their heritage and aesthetic values. Designed with an eye for detail, it features unique elements such as a sunroom, pocket doors, and a hemlock front door, all chosen for their beauty and functionality. The Simmons family lived here until 1937, when they sold the property.
In 1948, the house found new owners in Colonel Frederick W. Maxwell and his wife Alice “Louise” Maxwell. Colonel Maxwell, a decorated World War I and II veteran, brought with him stories of bravery and resilience, having earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during the Battle of the Bulge. Meanwhile, Louise Maxwell was renowned for her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, earning the organization’s highest service award.
The Maxwell family added their own chapter to the house’s history, filling it with artifacts and memories from their travels across post-war Germany and Japan. Their daughter Sally, a gifted opera singer, left a cultural legacy that continues today through the Sally Maxwell Sharples Memorial Scholarship at the UNT College of Music.
After the Maxwell era, the house was purchased by Kathy Barnett in 1980, who was instrumental in securing its status as a City of Denton Historic Landmark in 1981. The house’s unique architectural style and rich history earned it a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker in 2016, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Visitors to this historic abode can envision the lives of the remarkable people who walked its halls—each adding their own layer to the story of Mission, Texas. The house stands as a beautiful reminder of the past, holding stories that have shaped the community and continue to inspire those who visit.
