Otway Bird Nance a name etched in time stands before you. This Nance Farm Plaque marks a significant piece of DeSoto history. Right here on this very spot stands a testament to the Nance family’s legacy. The plaque commemorates their enduring presence in this land.
The Nance Farm itself a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1976 tells a story of resilience and adaptation. Otway Nance arrived in 1851 with his wife and ten children. He purchased 640 acres establishing a homestead in 1856. The original farmhouse and barn were built around 1860. Imagine the challenges of building a life from scratch on this land.
The house wasn’t always as you see it depicted on the plaque. It started as a two-story Greek Revival style. Later sometime before 1883 it was transformed into a Victorian style home. A full-length front porch was added. The kitchen and dining room which were initially detached were eventually attached to the main structure a common practice in the 1850s.
One fascinating detail often overlooked is the home’s 90-degree rotation in 1910. This wasn’t for aesthetics. It was a practical decision to reduce sun exposure during the summer and protect it from winter winds. The Nance family lived here until the 1950s. Their story is interwoven with DeSoto’s. The city purchased the farm in 1975 initially using it as a community center.
The Nance Farm faced challenges. It was sold back to private ownership in 1981. Later it was close to foreclosure. The city stepped in again purchasing the property in 2007. By then its size was reduced to just over two acres. But the heart of Nance Farm remained. This plaque stands as a constant reminder. A symbol of the family’s perseverance. And the farm’s continuing importance to DeSoto. A new master plan approved in 2023 aims to transform Nance Farm into a vibrant community arts and cultural center. This plaque however will remain a poignant touchstone of the Nance family’s enduring legacy.