Wednesday, 24 February, 2010 13:33
by Brandy Evans
One of Shreveport-Bossier’s major thoroughfares, Line Avenue, was just a dirt road when the Davis Homeplace (www.davishomeplace.org) was built back in 1916. Constructed of cypress wood, the home contained many “amenities” of the day – working transom windows, pocket doors, high ceilings and push-button lights.
The home is filled with furnishings from the estate of A. J. Ingersoll and Effie Dalzell Ingersol. “Cap’n Jack” Ingersoll was one of the South’s major cotton buyers. He was instrumental in Shreveport’s transition from a rough, riverfront trading post to a thriving city. Miss Effie’s father, Rev. Dalzell, was a medical doctor and another early Shreveport hero. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1873, he risked his own safety and chose to stay in the stricken city to help other patients rather than flee.
Rather than let history be buried in the trees and vines that covered the home when Terry and Marsha Gill purchased it in 2002, the couple decided to resurrect the home and preserve history. They have set about to lovingly restoring it. Visitors to the home are enchanted by the second floor sleeping porch and artifacts like Mary Montgomery Davis’ wedding dress, Cap’n Jack’s pocket watch, and Miss Effie’s opera glasses. The house and its contents offer visitors a peek back to scenes of yesteryear.
“If you don’t know where you’ve been, you don’t know where you’re going,” Marsha said. “It’s important to know what things were like, and you appreciate the way people lived then.”
She said, that helps you to be more grateful for the conveniences you have now.
When asked to name some of her favorite treasures in the home, she said, “That’s like asking which if your children you love more.” But she is especially proud of the 1937 Detroit jewel stove; 1897 Royal Bonn Jardinaire half tester east lake bed; 24-carat gold dishes that belonged to Ms. Elfie; and an 1890s doctor buggy.
The tour takes approximately one hour and it’s worth every minute.
Although the Davis Homeplace is a residential property, the Gills truly enjoy sharing their home and its history with the public. They offer tours of the property for a small maintenance fee of $10 per person. Groups of any size are accepted, but the owners graciously ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance. You can call Marsha Gill at 318-218-9506 or email marsha@davishomeplace.org to schedule your tour.