Tea Garden

The tea garden was located to the north of the main house.  It was surrounded by 70' x 95' sandstone walls and iron fencing.  The garden contained benches, various plants and shrubs.  Swans would be swimming in the small water area.

Overlooking Fort Worth, Texas, the tea garden along with the surrounding property is believed to be the highest point in Tarrant County, located on a 1,000' hill.  It was the site of many after dinner converations.

It is important to note that many of the patrons of Top O' Hill never knew of the gambling activity that was in progress downstairs while they were dining in the restaurant or passing the time in the tea garden. 

To the casual, the Top O' Hill was simply the finest in dining and scenery.  To the gambler, it was a haven furnished with the latest in gambling paraphernalia.

Many famous orchestras could be heard playing in the evening.  One of the dancers who performed with "The Ruth Laird's Texas Rockets" recalled hearing the Tommy Dorsey and Herman Waldeman Orchestra many times in the tea garden.

Many prayers and proposals have taken place in this scenic garden since the purchase of the property in 1956.

Overlook

During a raid, the gamblers would run out the escape tunnel and run up these steps into the tea garden where there would be food and drinks planted in the garden. 

A stage would be erected on this overlook area during parties for ballerinas to perform.  One ballerina remembered dancing for a party for Guy Waggoner, the rancher and Howard Hughes.

     These historic structures remain today on the campus of Arlington Baptist College.