The Celso Navarro House

The Celso Navarro House was built in about 1835 by José Antonio Navarro, Texas patriot and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. For his son Celso, it was built along the San Pedro Creek at what was later designated 512 Camaron Street. Over the years, the main house fell into neglect and disrepair until in 1948, when threatened with destruction, a group of concerned citizens in conjunction with the San Antonio Museum Association arranged to have it moved to the Witte Museum grounds. , It is a typical early San Antonio dwelling built of local handcut limestone which was plastered over. The small size of the house with its two rooms opening onto the yard indicate it may have been a residence used only on occasions, like the Sunday houses in the Texas Hill Country. These were used on week-ends when families came into town from their farms and ranches to shop and attend church., Although the structure was first used to house the museum's collection of dolls, it has been restored more to its original condition as an example early San Antonio architecture. This was accomplished through the generosity of the Ferdinand P. Herff and the support of Mrs. Stella Cook Herff., 2nd Plaque Above , The Celso Navarro House , Built in the 18th century , Restored in 1973 by , Mrs. Ferdinand P. Herff , In memory of her daughter , Stella Cook Cutrer Meyer , February 7, 1973. , 3rd Plaque Above , In loving tribute to , Sr. and Sra. Celso Navarro , Dear friends - Good neighbors to , Judge and Mrs. John Herndon James , 1884-1912 , This house is more than , 100 yrs old in 1936 .