SENTIMENTAL FAMILY TREASURES BRING BACK HAPPY MEMORIES
Alamo Heights homes are full of interesting stories, if you know whom to ask. Steven and Mary Bull can tell you a great tale about theirs. The 4,800-square-foot home’s architect was the famous Frost Carvel. The house was built in 1950 by Ran Kendrick, a noted San Antonio businessman who owned a chain of local gas stations similar to today’s Valero Corner Stores. “He was a man who wanted the best of everything, and you can see it in the way he built this house,” Steven says. “It is unusual for its time because the foundation can withstand the weight of an eight-story building. It has a basement, again unusual for this city. All the closets are cedar-lined, and every bedroom has a built-in desk. The house also has the forerunner of an alarm system — there is a switch that will turn on every light in the house at once.” “In 1950, Ran had the foresight to build the kitchen cabinets with the pull-out shelves that are so popular in custom homes today,” Mary comments.
“He put in big pocket doors between the living areas and the den that actually still glide easily, 65 years after installation. And there’s a Dutch door that opens onto the kitchen. His attention to detail and the craftsmanship are amazing.” A visit to the Bull house is a sentimental journey because the home is full of family treasures. One of the largest collections is housed in a buffet in the kitchen. It’s full of Depression-era ruby-red glass — cups, saucers and serving pieces. The Bulls also have an extensive collection of china, silver and crystal. “Much of what we own is family pieces,” Steven says. “Others are things we’ve collected over the years; I guess that still makes them family pieces, doesn’t it?” Beyond the living room is a 9-by-26- foot wooden landing that the family calls the stage. Numerous dramatic and musical productions have been held here for family and friends. Along the wall is a built-in cabinet with an assortment of collections. One section holds Steven’s Titanic treasures, including a postcard that was mailed in August 1912 (after the ship sank in April) to the grandmother of one of his college friends. Other sections hold Romanoff memorabilia, Hummel figurines, books and a painting by a local artist.
A Salvador Dali autographed lithograph is tucked in there, too. The house has seen many events since the family moved in — legendary New Year’s Eve parties, first dates, reunions and graduations. The Bull daughters have moved to careers across the country, but the big house isn’t an empty nest. “Our house will never be an empty nest,” Steven emphasizes. “It will always be filled with kids, friends and happy memories.”
By ROBYN BARNES
Photography by AL RENDON
