Southgate-Lewis House
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Local bookbinder and printer John Southgate had this house built for his family in 1888. The high Victorian structure features a bay window, second-floor bands of shingles, and distinctive window surrounds. Businessman Charles Lewis (1872-1922) purchased the home in 1913. A neighborhood ice cream shop and a one-room school operated by his daughter were also on the property during his ownership. The home remained in the Lewis family until 1979. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Local bookbinder and printer John Southgate built this high Victorian home for his family in 1888, dressing it with a bay window, shingled bands, and distinctive window surrounds. Businessman Charles Lewis bought it in 1913, and during his ownership the property also hosted a neighborhood ice cream shop and a one-room school run by his daughter. The house stayed in the Lewis family until 1979.
Why it matters
The home reflects the small enterprises and everyday community life woven into an Austin neighborhood across the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
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Related people
- · John Southgate
- · Charles Lewis
Themes & tags
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