Mrs. Marshall’s Tearooms of Top O’ Hill Terrace
In 1921, visionary entrepreneurs Mrs. Beulah Adams Marshall and her husband, T.P. Marshall, acquired the land that would become Top O’ Hill Terrace. Originally conceived as a tearoom, this venture was part of a popular global trend that spanned from 1910 to 1930. Tearooms, which began in Scotland with Catherine Cranston’s efforts in the 1880s, provided a sophisticated alternative to alcohol-centric venues, aligning with the temperance movement of the nineteenth century. Tearooms primarily served the wealthy elite, often hosting parties such as bridal and baby showers. Tearooms were more than just places to enjoy tea however—they were a social revolution. Predominately owned and operated by women, tearooms become one of the few acceptable jobs for women in the interwar period. Tearooms also served as a gathering place, especially during the women’s suffrage movement, as they were a mostly woman-only venue.
Mrs. Buelah Adams Marshall: A Modern Advocate
Mrs. Adams, a prominent writer and editor for the Dallas Journal, was instrumental in promoting her tearoom. Her “Woman’s Page” featured content on cooking, fashion, and homemaking, reflecting her commitment to modern social values. On July 29, 1922, the Dallas Morning News highlighted her advocacy for the role of young girls in society in the article titled, “Mrs. T.P. Marshall Champions Cause of Modern Youth.” She encouraged girls to take a more active role in society, emphasizing that “ignorance is not a protection of innocence.”
Top O’ Hill Terrace’s Impact
Top O’ Hill Terrace quickly became a celebrated venue, noted in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Morning News for its vibrant social events, including bridal parties and Bible studies. Mrs. Marshall’s tearoom stood as a beacon of modern, socially conscious enterprise, reflecting values of temperance and moral uprightness.
Her efforts not only marked a significant achievement in the DFW area but also contributed to the evolving role of women in business during a time when societal norms were changing. Top O’ Hill Terrace remains a testament to Mrs. Marshall’s impact and the broader movement of women shaping public life.