The Old Zimmerman Home

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:

Edward E. Zimmerman came to Texas, 1844, from Germany; settled here, 1854, with wife Regina Reinhard. They had 5 children. Zimmerman built this early Texas farmhouse, 1861, of hand-hewn cream colored rock from nearby hills; lumber from Bull Creek mills. One of first residences on route of Shawnee Trail (used by traders, immigrants, Indians, and famous as a cattle trail in 1850’s and 1860’s). Regina once shot a bear at back door.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
1967
Location:
at or near 1600 Payton Gin Rd, Austin TX 78753

The Settlement Home for Children, located on Payton Gin Road in north Austin, was once the Old Zimmerman House. Built with the sturdy construction found in Germany and architecturally inspired by the style of early Texas homes in Fredericksburg, it is estimated that the house was built in 1861. The Zimmerman family raised their children here and the house was passed down in the family through the 1920’s.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

The Settlement Club purchased the home and the 10 acres it sits on in 1964. In 1967, in recognition of the historical value of the restored house, The Settlement Club was awarded a bronze medallion from the Texas State Historical Survey Committee.

Since that time, the house has changed both inside and outside, but the integrity and distinctive look have been maintained. The old house, which now serves as the main front office of The Settlement Home, has served as an architectural inspiration for the additional cottages and buildings that now sit on the 10 acres.
- Settlement Home

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

photo by Kevin Surbaugh