Baron Vicco Von Strallendorf and his wife received this cottage, the Stevens-Butler House, as a wedding gift in the 1870s. They had as guests, Elisabet Ney and Dr. Montgomery. Although married, Miss Ney always referred to her husband as “Dr. Montgomery” and the doctor called her “Miss Ney.” When “Miss Ney” conceived, the town was scandalized and ostracized her on every occasion — to the point of ladies moving
their skirt hems away from her so as not be “tainted” when seeing her in town. The couple needed only to
say they were married, but they refused and moved to Texas. Elisabet Ney, an accomplished sculptress, is
recognized by an Austin museum dedicated to her work.