Dobie, J. Frank, House
historic place
The J. Frank Dobie House in Austin, Texas, was built in 1925, exhibiting elements of the Colonial Revival style. This historic place became home to eminent Texas author, educator, and folklorist J. Frank Dobie and his wife Bertha in 1926. Dobie resided here until his death in 1964, and Bertha continued to live in the house until her death in 1974. From this residence, Dobie wrote many of his books, often mentioning his home 'on Waller Creek' in their prefaces. He also taught a popular course at the University of Texas on the life and literature of the Southwest. The house hosted numerous friends, including notable figures like Carl Sandburg, Walter P. Webb, and Roy Bedichek. The J. Frank Dobie House was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1991. In 1995, the University of Texas at Austin acquired the property, which now houses the Michener Center for Writers. This site is significant for its association with J. Frank Dobie, a key literary figure in Texas, the Southwest, and the nation.