Beulah Adams Marshall bought land here along the Bankhead Highway in the early 1920s and opened a tea room, hosting teas and serving dinners to Dallas and Fort Worth patrons. In the late 1920s, 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. Top O' Hill Terrace facilities included a horse barn and a private stable for Browning's prized stud, Royal Ford, purchased from oilman and Arlington Downs owner W. T. Waggoner.
Contemporary to the Top O' Hill heyday was the outspoken Dr. J. Frank Norris, longtime pastor of First Baptist Church of Fort Worth. 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 1947, Texas Ranger Captain M. T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas led a raid on Top O' Hill, catching the gambling operation in full swing. In late 1956, 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 College continues to use the site, which retains many of its original structures and features a statue of Norris by noted Sculptor Pompeo Coppini.
Fred and Mary Browning purchased the property in the late 1920s 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.
The tea garden was located to the north of the main house. It was surrounded by 70' x 95' sandstone walls and iron fencing. The garden contained benches, various plants and shrubs. Swans would be swimming in the small water area.
These original rustic gates were designed and crafted by Southern Ornamental Ironworks of Arlington. Guards stationed here either welcomed or turned away patrons after checking identities. Unwelcome guests, local police or Texas Rangers, were allowed access, which set off an elaborate alarm system. By the time authorities reached the casino, gambling equipment would have been whisked away. Guests either slipped out the back of the property or were found sipping tea in the Tea Garden.
Local
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See and Do
- Top O' Hill Terrace Arlington (0.0 miles) - Beulah Adams Marshall bought land here along the Bankhead Highway in the early 1920s and opened a te...
- Top O' Hill Terrace Arlington (1.7 miles) - Beulah Adams Marshall bought land here along the Bankhead Highway in the early 1920s and opened a te...
- Secretts Farm and Farm Shop Milford (4.9 miles) - Secrett’s at Hurst Farm in Milford is a premier gourmet food destination in Surrey. With over a ce...
- Mountasia Family Fun Center North Richland Hills (7.1 miles) - Come on by and visit our newest attractions! No where else in the metroplex will you find Roller Ska...
- Mountasia Family Fun Center North Richland Hills (7.1 miles) - Mountasia Family Fun Center is your number one destination for family fun! Nowhere else in DFW will ...
Shopping
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