“A distinguished career,” the plaque whispers, and right here at the Harris-Savage Home Plaque, the echoes of that career seem to ripple through the air. The Harris-Savage Home Plaque, a silent sentinel on Swiss Avenue, holds the weight of a family legacy intertwined with the very fabric of Dallas. This isn’t just a plaque. It’s a portal to a time when pioneers like William W. Cochran, the first Dallas County Clerk, laid down roots in the vast Peters Colony. Their grandson, William Randolph Harris, would later bring this home to life.
Will Harris, a legal eagle who successfully prosecuted the impeachment of Governor James “Pa” Ferguson, moved into this house with his wife Minnie in 1921. Minnie, a vibrant soul active in the social scene, filled these rooms with laughter and lively conversation. Their daughter, Dorothy Harris Savage, inherited the home and, alongside her husband, former Dallas Mayor Wallace Savage, carried the torch of their predecessors. The Savages, champions of education and preservation, left an undeniable mark on Dallas. They were founding members of the Dallas Academy and staunch advocates for historical preservation through their work with the Historic Preservation League.
The Harris-Savage Home, standing as a testament to their efforts, became a cornerstone in the Swiss Avenue Historic District. This very district, the first of its kind in Dallas, owes its place on the National Register of Historic Places in part to the unwavering dedication of the Savages. As you stand before this plaque, let the echoes of their legacy wash over you. Remember, their story, etched in metal, is but a single thread in the rich tapestry of Dallas history that unfolds all around you.