The O. Henry Museum

"More Than Just a One-Story House"

Katie Keckeisen

February 5, 2022

Between 1893 and 1895, the home in front of you was occupied by a young family: William Sydney Porter, his wife, Athol, and their young daughter, Margaret. It was during their time in this house that life took a series of major twists that led to William Sydney Porter becoming the famous short story writer, O. Henry.

O. Henry's Austin Click on the thumbtacks to learn more about some of the locations associated with O. Henry during his time in Austin.

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A black-and-white photograph of the O. Henry house at its original location; there are steps leading up to the porch and a large tree in front of a picket fence

A color photograph of the parlor from the O. Henry Museum; two wicker rocking chairs and a fainting couch adorn the room

A black-and-white photograph looking out over downtown Austin, circa 1880

A color photograph of the bedroom at the O. Henry Museum; a large, ornately carved bed is at center with a mannequin in period dress standing to the left; a matching dresser is at the far left; doll furniture is on the floor at right

A black-and-white photo of Athol Porter; she leans on a table and is wearing a dark velvet dress and coat

A black and white photograph of the Smoot home, with a column-enclosed porch on the bottom and an enclosed second story porch

A color photograph of the back room at the O. Henry museum; a large drafting table sits tot he left, while a writing desk and office chair are at right

A black-and-white mugshot of William Porter, taken at Ohio State Penitentiary

A color photograph of the O. Henry Museum library, with red plush pub chairs and a lawyer's bookcase on the wall