Austin, Travis County
Tradition says architect Abner Cook built this house for Ruben and Mary Runner about 1855. Some later owners were F.E. Chandler and H.E. Shelley, lawyers, 1863-1909; The May Thompson family, 1917-69. Originally the house faced east, preempting the entire 1700 block, Rio Grande to West Avenue, with a separate kitchen, carriage house, other structures on the grounds. Severe changes and decay preceded the beginning of restoration by the Travis Williamson family in 1970. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1974