Hidden between the sleek and contemporary buildings on the University of Texas

campus, the Littlefield House provides a window reflecting more than 100 years into the
past.
Gas-burning chandeliers hang from the ceiling and a musky scent fills the room. To the
right, an oversized ivory mirror clings to the wall. The energy of a life long passed
encircles the room with the memories that were made in the wood-paneled, deep green
dcor. Visions of guests in early 20th century garb striding down the picturesque, grand
staircase can be imagined as one wanders the 17 rooms. Setting foot inside the home
transports visitors to the Austin of yesteryear.
The red brick Victorian mansion positioned on the edge of campus is a structure often
surrounded by inquiry. Built in 1894 for Major George Washington Littlefield, the
building is now the headquarters for the university events office, which handles and hosts
fundraising ventures.
Even in the late 1800s, the Littlefield house served a similar purpose; hosting gettogethers for family and friends.
This was a lively place. Even though they didnt have children of their own, there were
people around here all the time, said David Gracy, a great, great nephew of Littlefield.
Littlefield was a member of the cavalry in the Confederate Army when he married his
wife Alice and aspired to become a successful businessman. He earned his wealth from
managing plantations and later selling cattle and cotton. The couple bought the property
in July of 1883.
According to Gracy, George and Alice had two children, but both died very young. One
child died at birth and the other lived less than a year.
(Alice) had a contrast in life that way, said Gracy. She missed her children. But his
family was a huge group. So there was family all over the place, all the time.
Included in this lively bunch was Nathan Stokes, a long-time confidant, servant and
friend of Littlefield who lived in the upstairs carriage house. Previously, Stokes was one
of the Littlefields family slaves and continued to be one of Littlefields staff.
Nathan went to war with him to take care of him and Nathan promised George
Littlefields mother that he would not leave him and would bring him home, Gracy said.
According to David Gracy and the Austin History Center, Stokes outlived both of the
Littlefields and died at the age 105. He is buried on the Littlefield plot near George and
Alice at Oakwood Cemetery.

In the front parlor, a large bay window beams with sunlight accenting the gold dcor and
hand-painted, 13-foot ceiling. The elegance and size of the home provided the ideal
backdrop for several Littlefield family weddings.
An Austin newspaper article written in 1902 and preserved by the Austin History Center
described one such ceremony for Sarah Elizabeth Harral, a niece of Littlefield.
Opposite the open bay window Rev. C. Polk Goodson awaited the party and pronounced
the words which made the happy couple man and wife, the article said.
The historic mansion also provides a believable setting for a ghost story. Local myths
suggest that a troubled and eerie air surrounds the home. Disappointing for some
believers, this urban tale is not true.
Gracy said that later in her life, Alice Littlefield developed anxiety because she feared
that her husband was in danger. Her mental torment ended after he died in 1920.
In his will, Littlefield donated the home to UT, on the condition that Alice be allowed to
live in the home. She was a widow for 15 years before dying in 1935. According to a
university pamphlet about the home, Littlefield gave $2 million to the university.
Over the years the Littlefield home has housed everything from the music department to
the Navy R.O.T.C. But since the 1990s, the second floor has been used primarily to house
the university events office.
Carol Sablan, an event planner who works out of Littlefield House, said we all feel very
fortunate to work here.
It is just a lovely house, she said. A lot of us have come from cubicles so this is lovely.
More than a 100 years have passed and the Littlefield House remains a symbol of history,
curiosity and pride on the University of Texas campus.