There’s nothing like it… historical, inspired, true art.

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Own a piece of history….

Nestled in Temple’s rich history, this unique home was built in 1909 by Rigsby L. Barclay, son of the renowned William A. Barclay. Designed with his wife Louzelle Rose, the residence was constructed from poured concrete, embodying strength and timeless craftsmanship. Originally located at 104 S. 5th st, and later changed to 904 S. 5th to honor their 1904 wedding year, the home is filled with family legacies, including the handprint of their son, William Jr., preserved on the front steps. This property stands as a tribute to the Barclay family's contributions to Temple and the artistic legacy Louzelle Rose Jr. established.

Photography by Wes Albanese

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A beautiful history…

Historic Concrete Home Built by Rigsby and Louzelle Rose Barclay

Step into a living piece of Temple’s history with this remarkable home, beginning construction in 1909 by Rigsby L. Barclay, son of the prominent William A. Barclay, designer of the iconic 1915 Barclay house on 25th Street. This home stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship, family legacy, and a shared vision between Rigsby and his wife, Louzelle Rose.

After returning from Texas A&M, where he played on the school’s first football team in the late 1890s, Rigsby was celebrated in the local paper as Bell County’s most eligible bachelor. Soon, he reconnected with his childhood friend and sweetheart, Louzelle Rose. They married in 1904 after a few years of courtship, and though accepted to Harvard, Rigsby postponed his studies to manage his father’s silver mine in Mexico. When Louzelle became pregnant in 1906, they returned to Temple to be closer to family, beginning the journey of creating their dream home.

Originally located at 104 S. 5th, the address was changed to 904 S. 5th by the 1910 census to commemorate their wedding year, 1904. Designed by Rigsby and Louzelle, this home’s poured concrete walls, featuring occasional woodgrain patterns from the original forms, and its 12-foot ceilings showcase exceptional craftsmanship and design integrity.

In 1907, their son, William A. Barclay Jr., was born on this very land, initially in a two-story home gifted to the couple by Rigsby’s father. This original house was later moved across the street to make way for their new home. The front steps of this residence preserve a touching detail: a small imprint of young William Jr.’s hand in the concrete.

Their daughter, Louzelle Rose Jr., was born in this home two years after its completion. She later attended Juilliard in NYC and the Sorbonne in Paris before returning to Temple, where she established the Barclay Fine Arts Contest in 1931, later known as the Louzelle Rose Barclay Literary Award. Originally, the contest awarded poetry, plays, art, and music, with the poetry winner named Temple’s poet laureate. The contest paused during WWII and resumed in 1957, though last awarded in 2004. Winners include dozens of locals and notables, such as the art director for Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the famous writer and famed Poet Laurette. To honor this legacy, a $10,000 donation from our non-profit will revive the award in 2025 for the next generation of Bell County artists.

Pictures, family letters, and other historical details will be available for viewing during visits. This home is more than just a residence; it is a story of Temple’s heritage and deserves to be celebrated.

Arrange a visit today and experience the timeless charm of this historic Temple home.

A beautiful history…