Mary Street Stone House Plaque

“A house built of stone,” a woman’s voice whispered, “in a time when wood was king.” We stand before the Mary Street Stone House Plaque, a silent sentinel to a bygone era in Austin’s history. The plaque itself, a rather unassuming testament, marks a residence far from ordinary. This house, built in the 1890s, stands as a reminder of a time when South Austin was still finding its footing. A time when a developer named Nichols Dawson dared to dream of sturdy stone homes, a departure from the norm. The houses, similar in design with their unique hexagonal front bays, were built with stone quarried nearby, rooting them firmly in the landscape of their time. But the story of the Mary Street Stone House Plaque, and indeed the house itself, is incomplete without mentioning Mary (Molly) Dawson, Nichols’ sister. A prominent educator, she was a force to be reckoned with. As principal of the Fullmore School and later running her own private school, Molly left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Austin. This house, a testament to the Dawson siblings’ vision, stands as a symbol of their enduring legacy in a city that continues to evolve around it. As we leave this quaint reminder of Austin’s past behind, let us remember the Dawsons, their stone houses, and their impact on the city we know and love.