You may have noticed the unassuming house for sale at 4331 N. Hall. Beyond the overgrown shrubs, you will find how many of the homes in Perry Heights looked 80 or 90 years ago. You can see the extremely narrow driveway going straight back to the garage ready for a Model T. The original single-paned windows with weights to steady them as they opened. There is no central air conditioning. The residents used a room full of windows as a back sleeping room, specifically in the summer, to catch a cross breeze. In the kitchen, there still stands the high-end Chambers stove, possibly original to the house (they quit making this model in 1940). They are collectors items today. Some of the light fixtures look to be original 1920 designs, likely with original knob and tube wiring. The bathroom has a cozy, small electric heater built into the wall to warm you up on a cold morning.
This house was built in 1924 and occupied by the Pierce’s, a family with deep ties to 19th century Dallas history. George Foster Pierce was the son of Lora Collum, the daughter of Marcus Hirum Collum, the Dallas pioneer who founded the Oak Lawn Methodist Church. His father, John Foster Pierce was a minister as well. He eventually became a professor at SMU. George moved into the brand-new home with his wife, Hallie Crutchfield Pierce. Hallie was the daughter of the Dallas pioneer and Chisholm Trail rancher Charles Thomas Crutchfield. Charles was the grandson of Thomas F. Crutchfield who owned the Crutchfield House. Built in 1852, it was the first hotel in Dallas.
George and Hallie had three children, George Jr., Elizabeth, and John. Hallie’s uncle also lived in the home on N. Hall as did the couple’s domestic worker, Susie Harris and her husband. George started as a salesman for his maternal uncle’s sporting goods store, Cullom & Boren, which opened downtown in 1902. He eventually became the president of the company. He also was elected president of the Dallas Manufacturers and Wholesalers Association and was credited with making Dallas an international trade destination for goods. The family lived on N. Hall until the mid-1930s when they moved to Highland Park.
By 1960, the Glanges family were living in the home. James John and Lottie Mae Bell raised their two daughters, Evalea and Joanna there. James, an immigrant from Greece, was a chef and cafe owner. Evalea was the North Dallas High School valedictorian in 1958 and became a prominent surgeon in Fort Worth. She was also a special witness to history in 1963. (please see Witness to History on this site). In 1972 James was struck and killed by an out-of-control car while standing in his driveway. By 1977, Lottie passed away and the house was sold.
The most recent resident of this home on N. Hall was Keith Norman Steiger. He and his wife, Dee Ann moved there in the late 1970’s. They divorced, but Keith remained in the house until 2024, when he passed away. Keith was a graphic artist and illustrator. He enjoyed daily walks in the neighborhood. Although he was very private, he was known to help other neighbors.
The house at 4331 N. Hall will soon belong to new owners and they will face many decisions. It would be sad to forever lose the beautiful stone and brick facade, the arched entrance, and the gracious front patio of this house. Other new owners on that same block have restored their houses beautifully keeping the charm and aesthetic of the original 1920’s neighborhood.
Unfortunately, it’s possible the new owner will decide to scrape the entire house and build something completely different. N. Hall and Vandelia streets are not protected with a conservation district designation like our neighbors on Rawlins.