“Okewell? What a peculiar name,” you might think. And you’d be right to wonder. This unassuming plaque marks more than just a house. It signifies the life and legacy of Judge Robert Lynn Batts, a man who left his mark on Texas law and academia. Built in 1925, Okewell was his sanctuary. You see, Batts wasn’t just any judge. He served as Assistant Attorney General for both Texas and the United States. He even presided over the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Talk about a distinguished career! But Batts wasn’t all about the courtroom. As Chairman of the University of Texas Board of Regents, he helped shape the future of education. It’s said that the house, designed by architecture professor Raymond Everett, reflects a blend of Mediterranean and American Bungalow styles. Those stuccoed walls, bracketed eaves, and that charming arcade whisper tales of a bygone era. Unfortunately, Okewell is tucked away on private property, hidden from casual view. But even without seeing its tile roof or feeling the coolness of its stucco, we can appreciate the legacy it represents. Okewell stands as a silent testament to a man who dedicated his life to justice and education, a legacy woven into the very fabric of Austin’s history.
Addcox House Plaque
But that’s not all that makes Addcox House special. It also has an enchanting wraparound porch with arched brick supports.