Townsend House History

After Robert Russ donated the land south of Vienna, LA, to the railroad and the Baptist Church, Ruston was established. When Vienna grew smaller in the late 1800s, houses were torn down or moved to Ruston. The Townsend House was originally a home in Vienna and was moved to Ruston in 1890 to serve as a parsonage. It's the second oldest residence in Ruston.

In 1920, the Townsends moved into the house. They rented the house from the Meadows family almost 50 years. Mr. Townsend was principal of Ruston High for 34 years. Mrs. Townsend was the first woman to cast a vote in Lincoln Parish. After she and some friends attempted to vote and were turned away at the polls, they met at Townsend House, dressed up in their husbands' clothes, and returned to the polls and cast their votes. In addition to this forthright act, Mrs. Townsend was known for her beautiful garden, especially her lilies.

Lou Ropp bought the house from the Meadows about 1980, but not the land. When she sold the house to new owners, the Meadows sold the land to them. Later, Dr. and Mrs. Gary Luffy bought the Townsend House and were responsible for extensive renovations and updates. After still another owner, the Townsend House was purchased and transformed into Townsend House Gifts by Kim Birch, the present owner. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Townsend House has played many roles in the life of the community.