Top o hill terrace photos

You may ask, what is Top 'O Hill Terrace?

Most people would regard these items as the trappings of vice. The battlefield: forty-six oak-shaded acres on a hilltop in west Arlington. Frank Norris. And yet it all began so peacefully, even genteelly. On a hilltop with a grand view to the west she built an elegant building of timber and sandstone and opened a teahouse, hosting teas and dinners for ladies of refinement of Dallas and Fort Worth. Women were beginning to drive more in the early s, and the Bankhead Highway connected the teahouse to both cities. Onto the battlefield in stepped Fred C.

Top o hill terrace photos

Beulah Adams Marshall bought land here along the Bankhead Highway in the early s and opened a tea room, hosting teas and serving dinners to Dallas and Fort Worth patrons. In the late s, Fred and Mary Browning purchased the property and shortly began converting the facilities into a casino, adding an escape tunnel and secret room for hiding the gambling paraphernalia during raids. Known as Top O' Hill Terrace, the popular spot attracted gamblers as well as visitors who were often unaware of the gaming activities. The restaurant, along with the tea garden that exists today, was a legitimate business, operating alongside a brothel as well as the casino, which benefited from the nearby Arlington Downs Racetrack. Contemporary to the Top O' Hill heyday was the outspoken Dr. The conservative Norris, co-founder of Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute, later known as Bible Baptist Seminary and later as the Arlington Baptist College, was an ardent proponent of prohibition and gambling reform. In , Texas Ranger Captain M. In late , under the leadership of Earl K. Oldham, the Bible Baptist Seminary bought the property and relocated here, fulfilling Norris' promise, although neither he nor Browning had lived to see it. Today, the Arlington Baptist University continues to use the site, which retains many of its original structures and features a statue of Norris by noted Sculptor Pompeo Coppini. Top O' Hill Terrace. Known As "Vegas Before Vegas". Privacy Policy. Log out Edit.

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You may ask, what is Top 'O Hill Terrace? This illegal gambling establishment operated for more than 20 years, from the s, before finally being shut down in the mids. If you blink you might miss the small guard shack door, a reminder that these gates once held back law enforcement while being the only entrance to this property surrounded by a wired alarm system. Guards carefully vetted gamblers, bootleggers, gangsters, and entertainers with secret passwords before allowing them to cross the gates. The views of the surrounding area are amazing as this is one of the highest points in the county. Vickie Bryant, wife of the former University president, greeted me at the administration building the former casino and ushered me into a small room filled with books, photos, clothing, and other artifacts. Vickie has spent the last 20 years collecting memorabilia, stories, and photographs, and retelling this amazing story. Featured on television, highlighted by tour guides, and lauded on Trip Advisor, Vickie is my guide.

Top o hill terrace photos

Fred and Mary Browning purchased the property in the late s and began, immediately, an extensive remodeling of the house. The new owner first had the house moved aside so that the basement could be built; then, the house was replaced on top of the new basement. The main floor was the only visible structure above the ground. The inner floor and the basement were much larger than the house and were built expressly for casino operations. Browning had planned his home with much foresight for its use as a gambling casino. Even with the possibility of unannounced raids, there was not much cause for concern since his fortress was considered virtually "raid proof". The building was so ingeniously constructed for its functional purpose, that it remains a wonder that a raid was ever effected. The grounds of the estate were surrounded by a wired alarm system.

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In converting a teahouse into a casino he was gambling on the state legislature making parimutuel gambling legal. Browning died in Norris stayed behind as the lawmen went ahead and forced their way into the casino in the basement and confiscated two roulette wheels, two gaming tables, poker chips, and dice. Norris died in November 14, at am. April 2, at am. I just an across this and would like to start from the beginning. The acreage that the Brownings bought was well suited to their plan. The tour began with a history filled presentation taking me through Top 'O Hill's beginnings as a tearoom, its heyday as a casino, and how the Baptist church came to own the property. It was centrally located on a major highway between Fort Worth and Dallas. Oh, and a brothel. Patrons had to show their ID and give the password to be allowed past the guardhouse.

Most people would regard these items as the trappings of vice. The battlefield: forty-six oak-shaded acres on a hilltop in west Arlington. Frank Norris.

During the presentation, Vickie showed me poker chips, a roulette wheel, fur coats and decks of cards. Lightweight Lew Jenkins trained at the Terrace and won the world lightweight title in This illegal gambling establishment operated for more than 20 years, from the s, before finally being shut down in the mids. According to T. And yet it all began so peacefully, even genteelly. There were fountains, stone-lined ponds stocked with fish and swans, stone footbridges, stone walls, canopied breezeways. We are working on a solution and will post when we have more information. You may ask, what is Top 'O Hill Terrace? Photo from about looks north on Houston Street from just below 10th Street. For starters, two armed men were stationed at a guardhouse see photos in Part 2 at the only entrance on the highway.