The Historic Betterton House


The Betterton House was constructed in 1888 by Charles L. Betterton.  It is located in the heart of the original Town of Oak Cliff (Oak Cliff was annexed in 1903) just across the Trinity River from downtown Dallas and is overlooking historic Lake Cliff Park.  The purpose of this site is to highlight this historic home and its continuing renovation with the hope of contacting others who have known the house especially the Betterton family.  We should also like to take note of the renaissance that is taking place in the Lake Cliff Neighborhood and the other "intown neighborhoods" of Dallas.  The preservation of these wonderful structures and neighborhoods is pivotal to the long term well being of the city as a whole.

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History

 


In 1887, Thomas L. Marsalis’ dream of a cultural, educational and moral haven for the city of Dallas was set into motion
with the founding of the town of Oak Cliff.  In July of 1888, Charles L. Betterton purchased the lot at the northwest corner of Grand (now Marsalis) and Fourth (now Sabine).  In less than a year he and his family were residing at this same local in their new home.  The Charles L. Betterton House has stood for more than a century in the “Original Town of Oak Cliff”.  One of the few large late 19th century Victorian homes remaining in Dallas, this structure has seen the best of times and has survived the worst in the dynamic history of Oak Cliff.

The Betterton House, located at 705 N. Marsalis Ave. (formerly 69th and Grand or the northwest corner of Grand & 4th), was constructed in 1888-1889. The son of William J. Betterton the “Barrel King of Dallas”, Charles was heavily involved with his father in the commerce of the city of Dallas and the newly formed town of Oak Cliff.  They owned a restaurant and saloon and were wholesalers of liquor and cigars.  The Bettertons owned and operated the Dallas Cooperage Company and a cistern manufacturing plant.  The family was also active in the real estate market and operated a land agency.

Charles was also the president of The Betterton Lumber Yard and Planning Mill in Oak Cliff.  No doubt, materials for his new home came from his lumberyard and mill.  His wife, Maud, was active in the Oak Cliff social community.  Maud Betterton along with Elizabeth Ewing, Mr. and Mrs. Millard Storey and Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop were the founding members of the Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church (est. 1890).  Curiously, Charles was not listed the membership roles of the church.
 The Bettertons were a prominent, well to do family that made their home in Marsalis’ grand suburban town.  The Betterton House was built at the core of the residential development of Oak Cliff.  This home is one of the last remaining elements of the early development of Oak Cliff and Dallas.

Another prominent owner of this house wad Dr. William Browne.  For the total price of $4000.00 Dr. Browne purchased the house in 1935 and almost immediately made a north and south side additions to the house.  He lived and ran his medical practice from the house for the next twenty years.

In the Post war years The Betterton House, like many large homes in Dallas, was used as a boarding house.  This type of use under a parade of different owners continued into the 1980’s.  The house then sat empty for nearly a decade, falling into grave disrepair and terminal neglect.  Boarded up and slated for demolition the house was purchased in 1991 from the city, converted back to a single family dwelling and the restoration was underway.

We purchased the house in 1993 and immediately began exterior restoration.  The work has been slow but rewarding.  In that time we have established The Betterton House as a city of Dallas historic landmark and have worked with our neighbors to establish The Lake Cliff Historic District.  These stabilizing efforts along with other revitalization projects have gone a long way to improving the prospects for our corner of Oak Cliff.  Our lovely home has survived the Panic of 1893, the Great Depression, two world wars, social change and urban decay.  It was constructed a scant 25 years after the Civil War, saw all of the 20th Century and now carries on into the 21st.  With the renaissance of Oak Cliff and diligent care this homes future is secure.


Who We Are

The Betterton House was constructed in 1888 by Charles L. Betterton.  It is located in the heart of the original Town of Oak Cliff (Oak Cliff was annexed in 1903) just across the Trinity River from downtown Dallas and is overlooking historic Lake Cliff Park.  The purpose of this site is to highlight this historic home and its continuing renovation with the hope of contacting others who have known the house especially the Betterton family.  We should also like to take note of the renaissance that is taking place in the Lake Cliff Neighborhood and the other "intown neighborhoods" of Dallas.  The preservation of these wonderful structures and neighborhoods is pivotal to the long term well being of the city as a whole.

We would love your help!!!

 If you have any information about The Betterton House or would like to contact us for any reason, please feel free
 nandj@swbell.net