Walter P. and Meck Allen House
Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1893, Rusk County native Walter Payne Allen (1870-1943) wed America "Meck" Peyroux Cartwright (1874-1959), a native of San Augustine. A banker, Walter was an organizer and later president of American National Bank. He served as city alderman and commissioner, responsible for utility services, and was instrumental in the transition to a city commission form of government. Active in many local businesses, he also worked to get a Royal Air Force training center at Terrell during World War II. The Allens built this Tudor Revival house in 1928. Designed by the Dallas firm of Fooshee and Cheek, it features half-timbering, decorative masonry work and a jetty, and overhanging second floor supported by brackets. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Walter Payne Allen, a banker who helped organize and later led Terrell's American National Bank, married America "Meck" Cartwright in 1893 and became a leading civic figure—serving as alderman and commissioner and helping bring a Royal Air Force training center to town during World War II. In 1928 the couple built this Tudor Revival house, designed by the Dallas firm Fooshee and Cheek, with half-timbering, decorative masonry, and an overhanging jettied second floor. It stands as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
The Allen House reflects the prosperity and civic ambition of small-city Texas leaders in the early 20th century, whose banks and boosterism shaped their communities.
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Related people
- · Walter Payne Allen
- · America "Meck" Cartwright Allen
Themes & tags
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