Central East Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Thompson Home

Photographed By Keith Peterson, August 18, 2007

1. Thompson Home Marker

Inscription.

Painting contractor John W. Thompson married Jennie L. Metz in 1877. They built this home in the Robertson Hill development, a fashionable neighborhood of the day. The simple Victorian residence has an unusual porch railing and decorative trim. The Thompsons’ daughter Willie Mae (d. 1966) occupied the structure until her death. It was then acquired by Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. The graduate chapter was founded in 1940. The sorority restored the house as a meeting place in 1967. It is Austin’s first black Greek letter house.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14898.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 30° 16.214′ N, 97° 43.556′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Central East Austin. Marker is on San Bernard Street north of Hackberry Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1171 San Bernard Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lynching in America / Lynching in Travis County (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley United Methodist Church

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington Carver Branch Library (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Desegregation of Texas Public Schools (about 500 feet away); Colored Teachers State Association of Texas Building (about 700 feet away); King-Tears Mortuary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Victory Grill (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Cemetery of Texas (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Thompson Home and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, August 18, 2007

2. Thompson Home and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 947 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.