Completed in 1880, the Lebold Mansion was built by C.H. Lebold, a local banker, realtor, politician, and entrepreneur. He chose the site of Abilene's first log cabin for his 20 room home, built of rough-hewn brown limestone blocks from Russell County and whitish trim stone from Ellis County, at a cost of $18,000.00. Lebold's financial empire suffered during the depression of the 1880's, and in 1889 he was forced to turn the house over to creditors. George Sterl bought the mansion at a sheriff's sale and occupied it until 1918. The structure later served at various times as an orphanage, a home for single telephone operators, and an apartment building with nine units. In 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vahsholtz purchased the house, restored it, and recaptured the splender of a bygone era.