Once upon a time, long before Belvin Street was designated as an official historic district, one of its big old historic houses was purchased by a thoughtful husband as a surprise for his vacationing wife. She had always wanted to live on the best part of that beautiful vintage street, so in 1952, when the house suddenly became available, town leader Gene Scrutchin grabbed it.
There was just one problem, and it was indeed a monumental surprise. He tore it down before his wife Theodora even got home to see it.
It seems that though she loved period architecture, he just wanted a “modern house.” And that is how a flat-roofed mid-century modern ranch house sprouted up in the midst of the distinctly Victorian homes along the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Belvin Street. All the neighboring houses — Colonial Revival, Eastlake, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Carpenter Gothic, and their cousins, were built between 1878 and 1910, reflecting the many variations in taste which characterized that flamboyant period.
Theodora Scrutchin was instrumental in bringing the Belvin Street Historic District (and the Heritage Association) to life. And yet, when you read the original 73-page National Register nomination form, and you come to 816 Belvin after wading through all the extravagant descriptions of 833, 903, 832, and 730…you can almost hear disdain as the writer labels Gene and Theodora’s distinctive project “noncontributing.”
But 75 years later, the house has indeed contributed substantially to the collective memory of this town. The Scrutchins were quite civically active, so their architect designed the “new, modern house” for entertaining, with large central rooms, terrazzo and hardwood floors, inch-thick handpainted tile from the Mission San Jose, and the first residential swimming pool in San Marcos.
Railroad ties scavenged from a local train wreck are part of its foundation; high school students were part of its construction crew. The ancient barn in the rear was used by their daughter Ann Scrutchin Cauthorn to stable her horse; and a marble dance floor from an old San Antonio hotel was installed specifically for her wedding. Ann fondly recalls that “everybody came to party here!”
When the iconic Theodora passed, the party didn’t stop, it just changed focus. Orthodontist Jeff Ault and his wife Ellen acquired 816 Belvin in 1999 to house their young family. Eventually topping out at four active boys, the new family and the sturdy sprawling house were a perfect match for each other. Before there was too much boy mayhem, Ellen got to indulge her love for classic décor and “lots of light,” bringing antiques, crown moldings, leaded glass, and crystal chandeliers into the somewhat minimalistic structure.
As the family grew, Boy Scouts became a huge focus for all of the Aults. There was also soccer, football, plenty of big dogs, a zip line in the trees, fishing parties in the swimming pool, campfires in the driveway, Nerf wars, and endless “sock skating” underneath the seven light fixtures in the very long central hallway.
The complete house has been shown on the HASM tour during past years, but 2026 visitors will be treated instead to outdoor Texas vignettes. On one side of the front yard will be an antique and quilt-filled recreation of an 1800s cabin bedroom. On the other, the Ault family’s extensive scouting history will feature a typical backpacking Scout campsite. All four sons are Eagle Scouts, eager to help their mom showcase the many Scouting adventures and World Jamborees they have experienced. The Scouts are even planning to set up a hot dog booth for hungry tour guests.
Filled with love and warmth and memories, this “non-contributing” place will forever be one of the most appealing treasures on Belvin Street.
The “Heritage & Home: Americana Experience” HASM home tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Tickets are $30 in advance at Heritage-SanMarcos.org ($35 the day of the tour). Proceeds support the Heritage Association of San Marcos and its mission to preserve the historic structures and districts that make San Marcos one of Texas’ most treasured cities.
Founded in 1975, the Heritage Association of San Marcos (HASM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, celebrating local culture, and perpetuating the traditions that enrich the community life of San Marcos. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting historic preservation and the ongoing stewardship of the city’s heritage.
