The Queen of Swiss Avenue, Dallas

The Crime

When 4949 Swiss was built in 1917 it was one of the grandest homes in Dallas with three stories and over 7,000 square feet of yellow brick and a tile rimmed veranda. Everyone who has stepped foot inside the house remarked on the grand, sweeping staircase made of hand-rubbed mahogany. The home was famous for a pair of baby grand pianos and a mirror “the size of Texas”. But, as the years passed, the glitz and glamor began to fade and it became the scene of an epic battle between the widow and the conman.

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The Episode

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The Real Estate

Address: 4949 Swiss Avenue Dallas, TX 75214

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Show Notes and Sources

“I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai

Swiss Avenue Historic District

Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour

Preparing to Say Goodbye and Good Riddance… (Dallas Morning News) Source of several photos

Other Articles:

http://www.metroplexing.com/2010/05/faded-queen-of-swiss-avenue.html

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2012/06/21/jury-convicts-man-of-trying-to-swindle-swiss-avenue-home-from-dying-socialite/

https://www.sahd.org/history

http://res.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2006/4949swiss/dayfour.html

https://candysdirt.com/2012/06/13/home-messiest-title-texas-trial-underway-man-swindle-4949-swiss-ave-dallas-woman/

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48419445/mary-ellen-bendtsen

https://abcnews.go.com/2020/mary-ellens-mansion-elder-abuse/story?id=8974477

https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1974/november/nostalgia/

https://lakewood.advocatemag.com/the-jewel-of-swiss-avenue/

http://www.metroplexing.com/2010/05/faded-queen-of-swiss-avenue.html

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-appeal-in-case-of-disputed-mansion/287-338896307

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2012/06/13/trial-begins-for-man-accused-of-trying-to-swindle-swiss-avenue-home-from-aging-socialite/

http://res.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2006/4949swiss/dayone.html?_gl=1*g1kkuv*_ga*MTc2MjU2MTU4OS4xNjc3MTk4Nzg2*_ga_8T538V93BE*MTY3NzIxMDc5Ni4zLjEuMTY3NzIxMTE5MC41NC4wLjA.

http://res.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2006/4949swiss/daytwo.html?_gl=1*wt51wb*_ga*MTc2MjU2MTU4OS4xNjc3MTk4Nzg2*_ga_8T538V93BE*MTY3NzIxMDc5Ni4zLjEuMTY3NzIxMTE5Mi41Mi4wLjA.

http://res.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2006/4949swiss/daythree.html

http://res.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2006/4949swiss/dayfour.html

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2014/12/31/preparing-to-say-good-bye-and-good-riddance-to-a-piece-of-swiss-avenue-s-most-in-famous-home/

https://candysdirt.com/2012/04/24/saga-4949-swiss-stuff-courtroom-dramas/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdorn/albums/72157629699971610/

Mentions and Shout Outs

“I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai

Swiss Avenue Historic District

Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour