
HFW
In the heart of Cowtown, standing amongst the towering oaks and historical treasures of Quality Hill, stands the McFarland House — a beautiful relic of the past that whispers stories of Fort Worth's grand Victorian age. Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to join a passionate group of archivists and architecture buffs on the Historic Fort Worth, Inc. Preservation Resource Center and Ottmann Building Membership Tour. Our mission: to explore two historic homes in this storied neighborhood, and to witness firsthand the craftsmanship and legacy of the McFarland House.
As we toured the magnificent structure, it became clear that this wasn’t just a house — it was a living, breathing testament to the opulence and grandeur of the era. Documents, blueprints, and family heirlooms, like a wedding album filled with tender images of the first owners, revealed a lineage deeply entwined with Fort Worth’s history and even with the Roosevelt family.
Built in 1899, the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House stands as the pinnacle of Victorian design in North Texas. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the 1892 Holly Water Treatment Plant, it was originally set on one of the most desirable lots in Fort Worth’s prestigious Quality Hill neighborhood. From this location, you can trace the city's evolution, from the early days of ranching to the rise of architectural icons like the Will Rogers Memorial Center (1936) and the West Lancaster Bridge (1939).
Yet, by the 1960s, a change in zoning saw Quality Hill transition from residential to commercial, and the wrecking ball claimed many of the homes that once made the neighborhood rival Charleston, West Virginia in elegance. Luckily, the McFarland House managed to survive, thanks to a steadfast commitment to preservation.
Designed by English architect Howard Messer, who had arrived in Galveston in 1888, the McFarland House was commissioned by Sarah Ball, a widow from Galveston. The house —costing a whopping $38,000 to build at the time (a fortune when the average home cost only $2,000 to $4,000) — was a masterpiece. The grandeur of its copper cupola, the intricacy of its brickwork, and the luxury of its Georgian marble porch decking speak to the opulence of the era. Inside, the exotic woods that create intricate floor patterns and the bricked carriage driveway that now doubles as a terrace tell a tale of uncompromising craftsmanship.

HFW
The house changed hands in 1904, after the death of Mrs. Ball. Weatherford rancher and banker William Harrison Eddleman and his wife Sarah Conger Eddleman purchased the house, and shortly thereafter, their daughter Caroline “Carrie” Aurelia Eddleman moved into the home with her husband, F. Hays McFarland.
Carrie would live in the house for nearly seven decades, seeing it through times of war, prosperity, and, tragically, the eventual passing of her family members. Carrie’s love for the home, along with her resistance to sell it, helped preserve its historical integrity — ensuring that the McFarland House would continue to stand as a symbol of Fort Worth’s history.
In the early 1900s, the McFarland House was also connected to one of the most powerful political families in American history. In 1933, Ruth Googins, daughter of Chicago native Joseph B. Googins (who had managed the Swift & Co. Meat Packing Plant in Fort Worth), married Elliott Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt. Ruth and Elliott would go on to have three children, one of whom, Ruth Chandler Roosevelt Lindsley, became Carrie McFarland’s godchild. When Carrie passed away in 1978, it was to Lindsley that she bequeathed the home — a gesture that ensured the continued legacy of the McFarland family within the walls of this stunning house.
Today, the McFarland House remains a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s historical identity, managed by Historic Fort Worth, Inc. (HFW). The house, now serving as a museum and resource center, allows visitors to explore its rich history while supporting the ongoing efforts of preservation in the city. In addition to its role as a museum, the McFarland House houses the administrative offices of HFW and offers research resources, including photographs, surveys, and blueprints, all dedicated to maintaining the unique historic fabric of Fort Worth.
What stands today is not just a home, but a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the power of preservation. Whether you’re drawn to the stories of the Eddleman and McFarland families, the ties to the Roosevelt legacy, or simply the craftsmanship of one of North Texas’ finest homes, the McFarland House offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era.

HFW
As Historic Fort Worth continues its work to protect the city's most treasured landmarks, the McFarland House stands as a beacon of what can be accomplished when history is lovingly preserved. This magnificent Victorian home is more than just a house — it's a living museum, a testament to the past, and a gift to future generations. So, whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just someone passing through, make sure to stop by this remarkable home. It’s not just about looking at walls and windows — it’s about stepping back in time to feel the pulse of Fort Worth’s past.