That did it for me . She had a name . That day we named her Heavenhill .
Heavenhill
With scrolling script and written in pencil , the board read : Josephine Heavenhill + Little Louise Miller Stole a Kiss While Studying with Edna - Cross of the Heart Jan . 1 , 1897
That did it for me . She had a name . That day we named her Heavenhill .
I decided to research Josephine Heavenhill . She was born in 1893 in Winters , Texas where she and her many brothers and sisters lived on a farm with their folks . Her father was very serious about education and brought his children to Granbury during the winter for a better chance at learning . Josephine graduated from the University of Texas in 1916 and received her masters from Columbia University in New York . She worked as a newspaper editor , teacher , and owned her own book store in San Angelo . Josephine was an independent , modern woman for her time . I like to think she is watching over the home even if she was only here for a short period of her life .
On my graduation day I met my mother at Heavenhill and she gave me a gift . Attached was a simple sliver of paper that read , “ I hope all your wishes are like houses and all your houses come true .” I keep that sliver of paper with me to this day .
After graduation I knew I wanted to pursue a career in “ old houses .” The closest degree that fit my new found love was interior design . During my years away at college
my mother became engrossed with other projects so Heavenhill was put on the backburner . Every time I came home , I would stop by and visit my old friend and try to figure out how to make her shine .
In 2011 my mother gave me a little card . It wasn ’ t my birthday or any other special occasion . I was confused and slightly embarrassed as my boyfriend pulled out my camera . I opened the envelope and there was a picture of Heavenhill . “ It ’ s Yours .”
I started crying . I could not believe it . My little house came true .
In 2012 , after drawing the plans and securing the funds for her renovation , I started working on Heavenhill . It felt good to be back again . After 10 years of wishing and dreaming . I could see her light shine and bloom and I know she was happy just like me .
40
Shelbie Miller currently leases Heavenhill as a guesthouse for visitors . For more information please visit facebook . com / heavenhillguesthouse or call 817.894.2036