Shaw-Keiser House
Canyon, Randall County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Travis Shaw (1875-1946) was a local banker and civic leader who later served as secretary and business manager of West Texas State Normal College. He commissioned the Dallas firm of Lang and Witchell to design a one-story Craftsman style brick residence, and Canyon contractors Gillcoat & Skinner built it in 1908-09. C.O. Keiser (1868-1928), land developer, newspaper owner, banker and entrepreneur, bought the house in 1911 and enlarged it, adding a second story with additional Craftsman details by master carpenter Norris Root of the local firm of Root and Wragge. The house features gallery porches, a pyramidal roof, low-pitched cross gables and exposed rafter tails. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2007
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Banker and civic leader Travis Shaw, who managed West Texas State Normal College, commissioned Dallas architects Lang and Witchell to design this brick Craftsman home, built by local contractors in 1908–09. Land developer, banker, and newspaper owner C.O. Keiser bought the house in 1911 and added a second story with fine Craftsman detailing by a master carpenter. Its gallery porches, pyramidal roof, and exposed rafter tails typify the style.
Why it matters
The home reflects the bankers, developers, and college builders who shaped Canyon and the emerging Texas Panhandle in the early 20th century.
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Related people
- · Travis Shaw
- · C.O. Keiser
- · Norris Root
Themes & tags
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