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1961 photos: This round house was home to 2 UA librarians
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1961 photos: This round house was home to 2 UA librarians

From the Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes series
  • Feb 11, 2020
  • Feb 11, 2020 Updated Jul 21, 2020

University of Arizona librarians and friends Patricia Paylore and Phyllis Ball lived in what was called a round house. It was actually a hexagonal house designed by local architect Arthur T. Brown in the 50s.

Click here to see updated photos and read about the home's history and the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation's efforts to restore it. 

Did you know? The Star has a Tucson history email newsletter! Sign up >> tucson.com/timemachine 

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

The revolving porch roof can be adjusted to provide shade at any time of the day. The living room and bedrooms all open directly on the patio.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

University of Arizona librarians and friends Patricia Paylor and Phyllis Ball lived in what was called a round house. It was actually a hexagonal house designed by Arthur T. Brown. Here, the three-sided fireplace is the heart of the house.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

Neatly organized books and magazines attest to the owners' interest in reading. Records and photograph are located in the closed cabinet. Around the bend in the living room is a dining table which opens to seat 12.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

Hemlock crossbeams radiate from the living room fireplace, emphasizing the house's circular design. Green bamboo curtains may be rolled down or the unbleached muslin draperies may be closed to filter sunlight from the patio.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

A flying saucer look is emphasized in this night view from the patio. Every room in the house is visible: (from left) Miss Paylor's bedroom, the living room, hall, kitchen and Miss Ball's room.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

Miss Ball chose charcoal for the walls of her room and white draperies with a bright red Berta Wright design for a color accent. She keep her typewriter on a typing table inside the corner cabinet.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

The revolving porch roof can be adjusted to provide shade at any time of the day. A free form fence of redwood grapestake separates the lord from the neighboring yards. The living room and bedrooms all open directly on the patio.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

Green walls and colorful leaf-patterned draperies give warmth to Miss Paylor's bedroom. Small, high windows (one visible upper right) face on street, with the glass door opens to the patio. Under the desk is a tiny door for the cats.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen

Round house is home to these librarians

Round house is home to these librarians

Kitchen cupboards, all within easy reach, offer ample storage space. The stainless steel counter top between the oven and stove makes a convenient resting place for hot pans.

Bill Sears / Tucson Citizen
In this Series

Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes

  • Updated Jul 21, 2020
    1961 photos: This round house was home to 2 UA librarians
  • Updated May 7, 2020
    1960 Tucson home photos: the Glenn Poole home
  • Updated May 7, 2020
    1958 home photos: Storybook house for a lady
  • 81 updates
  • Next

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