In 1866, Mary Elizabeth Dixon accepted a proposal of matrimony from Mr. W.A. Brown. Mr. Brown had recently received an honorable discharge from General N.B. Forrest's Confederate Artillery unit after serving time in a Union POW camp. The couple were wed in February shortly after his release.
In 1872, the couple moved to the now-vanished town of Larissa, Texas, between Jacksonville and Tyler, near Mount Selman, and eventually made their home in the dwelling now known as Larissa House, which at the time consisted of two rooms with a lean-to kitchen. Soon after, the Browns added to their abode, and the home took on a Texas Colonial look.
Around 1890, the Browns again expanded with the addition of a "widow's walk" and Victorian-style porches and balconies. Ginger bread embellishments finished the look in tradition of the Eastlake style. Today, the house is much as it was after these 1890 changes.
After Mr. & Mrs. Brown passed away, their granddaughter, Betty Brown Ebaugh, and her husband made their home here, entertaining and living life as involved citizens in the community. The Ebaughs were reputed to have the first television in Jacksonville and friends of their then-teenage daughter Betsy would flock into what is now referred to as our "Wood Room" to watch the new invention.
Mr. & Mrs. Ebaugh lived here many years, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary as her grandparents had so many years ago, in the double parlors with numerous friends and family members in attendance.
As always, time marches on. The Ebaughs are gone, and their daughter Betsy has passed also. The difficult decision to sell the family home had fallen on Betsy, who worried about its fate. The house was sold to the neighboring First United Methodist Church in late 1992.
In 1994, the home was purchased by the Stanfills, Eric and Kathleen, Eve (Eric's mom) and Owen (then eight years old). Larissa House opened in September of that year.
Before her death, Betsy Ebaugh McFarland had the privilege of knowing that her birthplace was once again alive with friends and family, teeming with visitors enjoying great food, and exuding warmth and hospitality.
Whether you stroll the garden as a prelude to your meal, or linger after you dine, we invite you to savor all that nature has to offer in this quaint setting. Eve has arranged a symphony of perennials and greenery to refresh the soul and enliven the spirit.
Native plantings abound in this peaceful oasis, where goldfish glide through a rock pool adorned with floating hyacinths beneath a canopy of crimson cannas and sunshine-fresh antique roses. Garden statues bid welcome to visitors, while birds herald your arrival and butterflies quietly guide your way.