In 1920, George Washington Wesley Swor was thriving in Dallas, Texas. A seasoned real estate agent, he built a successful career in the city’s booming property market and secured a prestigious role as head of the rental department at Robinson-Styron Realty Company on Field Street downtown. At home, he enjoyed a stable family life with his wife, Hattie, and their four daughters -Anna, Edith, Francis, and Elizabeth- residing at 4220 Cedar Springs Road near Wycliff.
However, Swor’s name was forever linked to one of the most shocking murders in Dallas history. In July 1913, he arrived at his office to discover the brutal crime scene of Florence Brown, a stenographer and the niece of one of the firm’s senior partners. She lay in a pool of blood, her throat slit in what became one of the city’s most infamous unsolved mysteries. The case gripped Dallas for months, with no clear suspects, and Swor found himself at the center of relentless questioning and public intrigue.
For a deeper dive into this chilling case, follow this link
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/case-closed-6391851
In 1922, George Swor’s life took another tragic turn when his wife, Hattie, passed away from a sudden blood clot at just 51 years old. By then his four daughters, Anna, Edith, Frances, and Elizabeth- were all starting new lives of their own, marrying and raising families. Despite his loss, George found solace in his unwavering faith and continued his devoted service as a deacon at Highland Baptist Church.
It was at church that he met Hallie May Storer, a widow who lost her husband four years earlier. Drawn together by shared experiences, they fell in love and married in 1923. Hallie May brought two children into the marriage- Charles Benjamin, a spirited 9-year-old, and Hallie May Jr., a 22-year-old young woman. Eager to give his new family a fresh start, George had a home built in the new Perry Heights neighborhood, just blocks from his previous house. Completed in 1926, the home at 4332 Vandelia spanned more than 2,400 square feet. offering plenty of room for his growing family.
Charles attended North Dallas High School and lived next door to future Hollywood star, Jack Beutel.
After high school, Charles pursued his passion for art at Dallas Art School and later began a career as a commercial artist. When World War II broke out, he was drafted into the Army. After the war, Charles settled in San Francisco and never returned to live in Dallas. There is no known record of him marrying or having children.
George and Hallie May shared their home on Vandelia Street for over 20 years. George Swor passed away in 1947, and Hallie May followed in 1951. With Charles living in San Francisco, the house was inherited by their daughter, Hallie May Storer who remained there until the mid-1960s.
Hallie May Storer never married but led an active social life. She was deeply involved in the Dallas cultural scene, becoming a member of the Opera Club and the Tres Arts Study Club. Known for her gracious hospitality, she frequently hosted club meetings and events in her elegant Vandelia home. Hallie lived a full life, passing away in 1968.
The house at 4332 Vandelia is rumored to be hitting the market soon. A true gem in the Perry Heights neighborhood, the home boasts one of the largest corner porches in the neighborhood – enclosed with glass from a previous renovation that exudes character from its 1920s origins. Inside, the home features two fireplaces, one of which is adorned with the rare Batchelder tile. The glazed arts and crafts tile, produced in the 1920s, is highly sought after today, with mantel installations valued in the thousands of dollars. For more about Batchelder tiles,
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8fLjL7P5eI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
With its rich history and charming architectural details, 4332 Vandelia offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dallas history.
great history lesson!
Thank you!
I grew up in Oak Lawn and my best friend lived in this house..early’ 60’s. I remember it being beautiful back then, minimalistic, very light and airy with a grand piano in the front room to the right of the porch. I was there everyday after school, baking in her Easybake oven and climbing so high in her backyard tree I could see downtown. Great memories.
That sounds like a lovely memory! These old houses have so much good energy.