If you’ve longed to explore the historic mansion located at 1326 Pennsylvania Avenue in Fort Worth known as Margaret Meacham Hall, you’ll have an opportunity at an upcoming holiday market hosted by The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth.
Margaret’s Market, which opens on Saturday, Nov. 2, features thousands of unique items, including holiday and home décor, women’s fashion and jewelry, gifts for all occasions for men and women, children’s items, gourmet foods, and even a wine pull.
Members Judy Miller and Diane Prothro have spearheaded this endeavor for the past four years and spend countless hours throughout the year buying and preparing for the annual event.
“This is our passion, and we love doing it,” said Prothro. “It’s so much fun, but it’s a lot of work.”
The market is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year. Many members work together to make it a successful and elegant affair.
Shoppers who want early access to the highly anticipated inventory and beautiful displays should attend on opening day. There is an admission fee of $10 for this day only.
“A lot of what we have is one-of-a-kind, especially clothing,” said Miller.
“We actually have about 25 cases of designer samples,” added Prothro.
All of the proceeds from the market go toward the upkeep of Meacham Hall, as well as the
other four buildings owned by the club.
“For a number of years we’ve held this market, and it’s been in various places on our campus,” said Prothro. “But when Judy took it over in 2021, we moved it over here. We had just redone the building, had it recarpeted, and reupholstered a lot of the furniture. So we wanted to show it off.”
It’s definitely a beauty. Meacham Hall, designed by L.B. Weinman for J.F. Moore, was built and completed in 1905. It was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1967.
ArchitectureinFortWorth.com, which features many historic buildings in the area, describes the home has having a mixture of architectural styles, including Queen Anne Victorian, Mission Revival and Prairie styles. “A turret marks the principal corner of the house, since it sits at the intersection of Pennsylvania and S. Ballinger. A stone terrace wraps around three sides of the home. Porches are located on this terrace on three sides, but the roof cover is not continuous. Mission type windows are located on the west side of the second floor.”
Upon their arrival, guests will immediately notice the grand staircase that winds up to the second floor, but it’s important to note that there is a handicap lift for guests as well.
The interior of the turret serves as a breathtaking reading nook with natural light pouring through two floors of stained glass windows.
Gorgeous wooden parquet floors can be seen throughout the home.
Before The Woman’s Club took possession of the home in 1953, two families lived upstairs while the first floor and basement were used as a funeral home. Later, it became a dormitory for nursing students.
It was the club that renamed the home after Margaret Meacham, who was a charter member and club director.
Meacham was married to Henry Clay Meacham, a once prominent merchant, city councilman, and mayor of Fort Worth from 1925-27. Fort Worth Meacham International Airport was built while he was mayor and was later named in his honor.
Margaret was quite influential as well. In addition to contributions to The Woman’s Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, she was known for her kind heart and philanthropy.
Those who attend the holiday market can spot a portrait of Margaret respectfully hung over a fireplace in one of the beautifully decorated parlors.
After the market’s opening day on Nov. 2, regular sale dates with free admission are Monday through Friday, Nov. 4-8, and Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 11-13. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hours are extended to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4-5. A sales tax-free day will be offered on Monday, Nov. 4.
Come visit The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth at the majestic Margaret Meacham Hall this month and get a jump on this holiday season’s gift giving.
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