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Wahrenberger House

Austin, Travis County

Marker Text

Charles Klein bought house from F. Huster, 1868, leased it to German-American Ladies College (1873-79), Texas German and English Academy (1880-86) and deeded it, 1882, to daughter Caroline (1834-1916), widow of John Wahrenberger (1812-64), early Austin settler. As a semi-private residence, boarders included Pat Neff (1896-97), Governor of Texas (1921-25); and Sam Rayburn (1907-08), Speaker of the US House of Representatives. House was the private home (about 1910-1946) of the Wahrenberger family. A significant example of 19th century architectural evolution, this house was built in a simple vernacular Greek Revival style in 1867, by Friedrich Huster. A porch and second story in rear were added about 1873. Victorian phase began 1887, with attachment of metal cornices and pediment (removed 1960); ended with addition of the present Classical Revival portico and a sleeping porch in 1916. Porch was dismantled and façade altered, 1946. Property is maintained by Revell & Co., and owned by a Wahrenberger heir. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1963

Marker Details

Address 208 W. 14th St.
Location Description NE corner 14th and Lavaca streets
Marker # 6421
Dedicated 1963
Size, Type Medallion and plaques
Code houses, schools, educational topics, government; Classical Revival architecture
Latitude, Longitude 30.276686, -97.741823

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