1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
From the Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes series
The home of F. T. "Limie" Gibbings was photographed by the Tucson Citizen in 1963. It was a treasure trove of antiques.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
The antique walnut-burled secretary highlights the entryway into the F.T. "Limie" Gibbings home at 145 E. Third St. The rare piece belonged to Mr. Gibbings' grandfather. The attractive columns are hand carved and were designed in the original house plan by architect Henry Trost. At right is a Czechoslovakian cut glass vase placed on a marble-topped brass fern table more than 200 years old. Above it hangs a Godet print. The Persian prayer rugs pictured also are more than two hundred years old.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
This gold and white soup tureen is from the famous collection of Capo di Monte China Napoleon had made for Josephine. The raised figures are patterned after the walls of Pompeii. Unique hand-carved consoles support the mantel of this unusual fireplace in the Gibbings home.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
The silver water tanker at left has been in the Gibbings family since 1885. The antique fruit bowl in a silver stand is another heirloom which belonged to the Gibbings family. A 17th century Samurai warrior is painted on the Japanese kutani porcelain plate.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
The picture in the gold leaf frame centered above the unique arched fireplace belonged to Mr. Gibbings' grandparents. The sailing ship was painted at Cork Harbor Island in Ireland. The slipper chair at right is an antique which belonged to Mrs. Gibbings' family. Also visible at right are some of the rare Capo de Monte figurines and a few pieces of Royal Dresden China.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
A view of the Gibbings' entryway and dining room. The walnut dinner table is an heirloom in the Bristol family many years. The table can be expanded to seat 12 people.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
Mr. Gibbings' den provides a marked contrast to the antique decor of the rest of the house. Among the items placed on the stone fireplace is a billy which belonged to Mr. Gibbings' grandfather, A. E. Bristol. Mr. Bristol, one of the founders of Pasadena, Calif., was that city's first chief of police. The picture above the fireplace "Terror In The Desert," was first displayed in Vienna in 1909.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
Pictured in the attractive mirror is one of the few portrayals of Christ as a youth in an eggshell frame. Below the picture is the family temperance Bible which rests on a cherry wood stand.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
The elegant green and gold stained heavy glass shade highlights a solid brass lamp which belonged to Mr. Gibbings' grandfather. The hand carved table is nearly 200 years old. Among other interesting items on the table is a portrait of Mr. Gibbings' great-great-grandparents painted on ivory by a Chinese merchant.
1963 Tucson home photos: Intriguing stories of the past revealed
This doorway view of the Gibbings' stairway recalls bygone horse and buggy days. Note the framed advertisement at left for the Rincon Apartments. Below the apartment ad is a plug for "up-to-date" carriages and an auto and livery company advertisement. The light in the hallway was formerly used as a gas lamp.

