“A house moved? That’s a story in itself” you might think. And you’d be right. This is the Bill and Maude Dodson House Plaque. It commemorates a home with quite the adventurous past.
Before you stands a marker dedicated to the Bill and Maude Dodson House. This unassuming plaque tells the tale of a remarkable couple and their equally remarkable home. Built in 1937 it wasn’t just any house. It was the home of William F Bill Dodson the first Mayor of Farmers Branch. He served from 1946 to 1948.
The house played a pivotal role in the city’s incorporation. It hosted crucial meetings. Decisions shaping Farmers Branch’s future were made within these walls. Bill sadly passed away in 1949. Maude however continued to live there until 1983. She then generously donated it to the city.
This wasn’t your average construction project. No formal blueprints existed. Maude described her vision. A builder then brought it to life. The result? A unique home reflecting her personality and preferences. Flooding from Farmers Branch Creek in the late 1930s forced a relocation. The house was moved to higher ground. This wasn’t a simple task. Imagine the effort involved in moving a whole house.
The interior of the house was later restored to its original state. Some modern upgrades were made. The kitchen now accommodates modern meetings and receptions. A bathroom was made handicap accessible. Additions like the sun porch upstairs rooms and the garage came later after the move. The restoration was completed in March 1989.
Bill a native of Malakoff served in France during World War I. After the war he and Maude lived in Dallas. They worked in real estate and oil. They moved to Farmers Branch in the 1930s commissioning contractor Ross Faulkner to build their dream home.
Maude’s donation in 1983 was the start of Farmers Branch Heritage Park. The plaque you see today was erected in 2007. It is a testament to the Dodson’s legacy and the history of Farmers Branch. The house a Colonial Revival style building still stands as a symbol of this city’s remarkable beginning. It is a charming one story frame house with telescoping wings side gables and unique six over one windows. The slender pedimented entry with square columns further adds to its distinct charm. It stands as a reminder of the people and events that shaped this community. A quiet yet powerful tribute to the history woven into the very fabric of Farmers Branch.