Bell Buckle has such a broad range of architecture. The homes telling a story about the folks that lived within its bounds. Today’s history is about The Joyce-Harris House. This one holds an extra special place in my heart, because, well, I call it home!
This house sits on land that was once part of William J. Peacock’s estate. In 1903, after both he and his wife passed, the farm’s 200 acres were divided into lots and this became known as the “Peacock Addition”. Lot #7, on which this house is located, was purchased by their son, Burrell Featherston Peacock. It’s unclear if the house had been constructed by that time. Previous owners said it may have been built in the 1800s, but there’s nothing concrete.
It changed hands several times over the years. The Joyce family lived here for 25 years. Grover Cleveland Joyce, Sr. was the manager of a produce house. He and his wife raised eight children here. Another longtimer was the Harris family who called this home for half a century. Frank and Cleo Harris also raised their family here. In fact, many locals remember this as the Harris house.
It’s gone through many changes, but I was grateful to learn about some of the older features from the Harris family. It once had a smokehouse in the backyard and the front door had a turn-style doorbell with a transom. The columns along the front porch were originally wood, coverted to decorative iron, and now back to wood. Parts still have the quintessential high ceilings, but some have been dropped. It didn’t always have central heating and air so I’m sure those lower ceiliings helped with climate control.
Underneath the renovated walls of this old gal, you’ll find square nails, insulation of old shredded newspaper, and framing that has held strong for at least a century. The attic tells the best story with the original chimneys still intact, hidden just below the roof on both sides.
There’s a little more history just a short walk from it’s back door and it has a connection to another historic home here in Bell Buckle. Stay tuned.
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