Vernon Temple, born in Chicago in 1888, lived an interesting young life before moving with his family to the Peatown community outside of Longview in 1905. He had sold peanuts as a child on the streets of Chicago. He later went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad, affording him the opportunity to attend the St. Louis World Fair of 1904 many times. He saw President Theodore Roosevelt on a whistlestop during the 1904 campaign. He once helped a Pinkerton Detective make an arrest by identifying a criminal sitting next to him at the railroad lunch counter. Vernon loved to tell the stories of his young adventures before moving to Texas.
It was at Peatown that he met Mary Ellen Graybill, who lived quite literally down the road. Mary loved flowers. Pansies were her favorites. The area around her childhood home is still filled each spring with iris and jonquils that have grown from her original plantings as a girl in the 1890's. From an early age, Mary determined that she wanted to be a teacher. After finishing her education, she taught at the Tryon School north of Longview. During their three years of courtship, Vernon would often bring Mary home for holidays. Vernon quipped they were either going to get married or he would need a new horse. All the trips back and forth were wearing out his beloved horse, Prince.
They did marry on Christmas Eve, 1915. They moved into the home Vernon had been building for the latter part of their courtship. They lived in that home for the sixty-seven years of their marriage, raising their five children there. Many wonderful hours were spent on their front porch, sipping sweet tea, and 'visiting'.
It is on the site of that home that Miss Mary's Place is built. Bulbs originally planted by Mary still fill flower beds. Oak trees, Pecan trees, and Crepe Myrtles planted by Mary still give shade and flowers. Vernon and Mary welcomed all into their home. We hope that you feel as welcomed at Miss Mary's Place.
