The Phillips House

This historical marker was placed where the Phillips House once stood at Terrace Park. The marker was dedicated by the Terrace Park Neighborhood Association in December of 2020 by Spring of 2022 the marker was missing.  

Lucky for us I visited the park a few weeks before the marker disappeared and have a few pictures so I was able to use that to write out the history that was on the marker, because it's some good stuff guys;

The Phillips House 

The Phillips house was built in 1883 at a cost of 50,000. It was an Italianate style three story with exquisite woodwork with gold plated hardware throughout the inside. The first two stories were constructed of Sioux Quartzite the third story complete with lookout was made of wood. The land around the house was filled with gardens, apple and plum orchards as well as a nursery. There was also a bar, paddock and a shelter for the animals.  

In this house Hattie Phillips raised her 7 children after the loss of her husband Dr. Josiah Phillips in 1882 Hattie lived in the house til the early 1900s and used it for religious, charitable and social activities for the community.  

At 3:00 PM December 10th 1909 a fire started on the third floor by a renter using a blow torch to thaw frozen water pipes. The closest hydrant was 4 blocks away and the fire department was unable to adequately deliver water to the third story due to lack of water pressure. Though most of the building was saved the third story was lost never to be rebuilt.  

The city purchased the Phillips estate in July of 1916 with the intention of making the property a city park. The house immediately received a new rood and in 1918 a museum for native American artifacts was opened on the first floor.  

In 1920 the first two stories of the home were returned to their original state by the general federation of women’s clubs. When the restoration was complete the Phillips House returned to being a house for the community always opened for social and civic gathering thorough the 1960s. 

In 1923 the terrace were cut for a natural outdoor Ampitheater and quartzites walkways and steps were installed. Later in 1931 the outdoor theater stage was built. Then in 1934 the Japanese Gardens were finished.  

Starting in 1954 the old barn with its potbelly stove was used to house lions from the city zoo in winter months. Residents in the area said the lions roar could be heard half a mile away! It was at this time the barn the oldest building in the park system for its nickname the lions den.  

Throughout the 50s and 60s the house fell into disrepair. There were calls from the community to save the Phillips House. The members of the Minnehaha County Historical Society worked with the park board to procure the house as a museum and an art center. In September 1966 the park board notified the historical society that they had until October 1st to present a plan for restoration. After collecting hundreds of signatures. The Historical Society previewed their plan with the park board president on Sept 30th with the intentions to inform the full board 4 days later on October 4th. However on October 1st 1966 a chilly 37 degree Saturday morning heavy machinery and a wrecking ball rolled into the park towards the house. The bell tolled for the old house and sadly it was demolished. 

May this help be a reminder that it is our duty to preserve and protect. Once buildings are gone, they are gone forever.  

Dedicated in 202 By the Terrace Park Neighborhood Association  

Picture courtesy of the Siouxland Heritage Museums Authored by Dr. Aaron Skonhovd