The Chandor Gardens in Weatherford received a historical marker that past and present city officials revealed in a ceremony January 25.
"It’s indeed an honor to be here today and recognize this piece of property," City Manager Jerry Blaisdell said.The marker is one of about 250 awarded in the state of Texas and five in Weatherford in 2011. But Weatherford then had to wait two years for the plaque to be completed.Five more markers were awarded to Weatherford the next year. There are now almost 100 in Parker County."I’m so very proud of what we’ve done," Mayor Dennis Hooks said.Chandor Gardens is home to the house and gardens created by Douglas Chandor, an Englishman and artist who married Ina Kuteman of Weatherford, where they began building in 1936.Chandor painted portraits of such famous people as former presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover and Winston Churchill."The garden reflects Chandor’s ability to transform thought and landscape into a place of beauty," the plaque, which local residents helped write, says.After the death of the Chandors, other family members sold many of the home’s belongs and the house was left empty for about 16 years. Melody ad Chuck Bradford restored the gardens after purchasing the grounds in 1994.The city of Weatherford purchased the house and grounds under former Mayor Joe Tison in 2002.At the time, Tison said he did not even know who Chandor was. But he was encouraged to visit the house and gardens and said they overwhelmed him."It was just one of those places where you know it’s not gonna be there for long in our society," Tison said.Harold Lawrence, chairman of the historic commission, said he worries about other historic sites in Weatherford as well."We’re developing very rapidly and we’re losing some of the sites," Lawrence said.The rest of the 10 markers awarded to the city will be recognized in the next year.The gardens have gained attention since being opened to the public, which is evidenced by the awarding of the historical marker."It makes us very proud to live in Weatherford, Texas," Blaisdell said. "It’s great historic heritage that we celebrate."Lawrence said the historic commission hopes to have a pamphlet by the end of the year that will contain a list of all the historical markers in Weatherford."Tradition’s taken place here," Tison said. "And history’s taken place here."Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
