East Terrace
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in1870s by John W. (1838-1909) and Cemira Twaddle Mann (1847-1934). Mann, a local business and civic leader, manufactured much of the brick used to build the famous Waco suspension bridge. Brazos River sand colored the brick he made for his own house. The Italian villa styling was probably chosen by Mrs. Mann, a native of New York. Galleries were added in Texas fashion. Millwork bought in Galveston gave distinction to the house.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
East Terrace was built in the 1870s by John W. Mann, a Waco business leader whose brickyard supplied much of the material for the famous Waco Suspension Bridge; Brazos River sand tinted the brick he made for his own Italian-villa home. His New York-born wife likely chose the fashionable styling, to which Texas-style galleries and Galveston millwork were added.
Why it matters
The house links a single Waco industrialist to the landmark suspension bridge that opened the Chisholm Trail's Brazos crossing, marking the city's Gilded Age rise.
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Related people
- ยท John W. Mann
- ยท Cemira Twaddle Mann
Themes & tags
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