Ledbetter, Charles P., House
3904 Ave. C, Austin, TXThe house at 3904 Avenue C is a l-story frame dwelling that stands on a lot in the middle of the 3900 block of Avenue C. Built about 1911-12, the house displays elements that are associated with the bungalow tradition. It remains virtually unaltered and in good condition.
Resting on a pier-and-beam foundation, the house features a rectangular plan capped by a hipped roof with composition shingles. The apex of the roof extends in a line perpendicular to Avenue C and reveals the dwelling's deceptively large amount of floor space. A one-bay porch dominates the primary (east) facade with tapered box columns supporting a gable roof. The gable end features a circular vent opening and broad eaves with stick brackets. A wooden rail balustrade encircles the porch and a stoop with a wooden balustrade marks the entry. A single doorway crowned by a transom serves as the main entrance to the dwelling. Windows are double-hung wood sash with 1/1 lights.
The Charles P. Ledbetter House is a noteworthy local example of the hipped roof bungalow form. Constructed about 1911-12 by builder Charles P. Ledbetter, a partner in the contracting firm of Ledbetter-Mundt prior to World War I, the dwelling is a well-preserved example of an early-20th century house type rarely found in Hyde Park. Ledbetter's modest bungalow retains its distinctive features this early type and is representative of the speculative nature of the development of Hyde Park. As such, it is being nominated for its local architectural significance under Criterion C.
The property at 3904 Avenue C remained unimproved for almost 15 years after its initial sale by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Company on October 1, 1896 (DR 135:233). Austin builders sometimes bought lots and constructed speculative housing for investment or promotional purposes. As Charles P. Ledbetter had an active practice as a general contractor and builder, it seems likely that he acguired lots 25 and 26 in Block 9 of Hyde Park Addition No. 2 for such purposes. In partnership with Albert A. Mundt, Ledbetter took an active role in Austin's building trades in the early 20th century, including a term as Secretary of the Austin Builders Exchange during 1912-1913 (Austin City Directories 1909-1913). He apparently never lived at 3904 Avenue C, which was occupied instead by CD. Traweek, a fellow carpenter responsible for the construction of 4105 Avenue D, 4103 Avenue G, and 4308 Avenue H.
Traweek purchased 3904 Avenue C from Ledbetter on April 1, 1912, for $2000. He owned the property until 1916 (DR 252:404; 285:246). Subseguent owners included Howard M. and Ruth T. Maud (1916-1920), Mrs. Mary Wukash (1920-1924), Burt Brydson (1924), Mrs M.A. Stell (1924-1929), and Caroline O. Stell (1929-1941), who taught at the Texas School for the Blind (Austin City Directories 1919-1941).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.