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Brush Square Park History
In the years since its designation as a public square, Brush Square Park has seen many changes. In the early 1930s, the home of the famed writer pen named O. Henry was moved to the square and preserved as a public museum. In 1939, Fire Station #1, featuring art-deco architecture, was constructed there. It remains an operating fire station today. In October 2003, another historic home, the Susanna Dickinson House, was relocated to the square. During the next few years more changes to the square are sure to come, as stakeholders in the park seek to restore the Dickinson home and redevelop the square’s green space.
Fire Station #1 is home to the Austin Fire Museum, run by the The Austin Fire Department Historical Society. Tours are by appointment.
The Susanna Dickinson House is an 1870’s stone house that was the residence of Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig. Dickinson was one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Alamo and the person who delivered the news of the Texan army’s defeat to General Sam Houston. It was at this house where Dickinson, later in her life, talked to historians and journalists about the famous battle, providing details that became the basis of much of the state’s historical record. The house, in the German-inspired Texas Hill Country architectural style, has been documented as one of Austin’s oldest surviving residences, pre-dating both the University of Texas and the Capitol dome. After restoration, the house will be operated as a museum that interprets the life of Susanna Dickinson during the time of the Texas Republic and highlights her contributions to this state’s history. For more information about restoration plans and fundraising for the preservation of this historic house, call the Friends of the O. Henry Museum at 512-472-1903.
The O. Henry Museum offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter, the man who became famous under the pen name O. Henry. Known as "the master of the short story," Porter lived in this 1886 Queen Anne-style cottage from 1893 to 1895. His home has since been restored and now contains artifacts and memorabilia from Porter's life in Austin.
During his more than thirteen years in Austin, Porter worked in a variety of occupations. Some of his experiences as a pharmacist, draftsman, bank teller, and reporter would later figure in his short stories. Before leaving Texas in 1897, William Sidney Porter's first nationally published short story, The Miracle at Lava Canyon, appeared under the pen name O. Henry.
Austin Parks Foundation 701 Brazos Street, Suite 170 Austin, TX 78701 tel 512.477.1566 fax 512.477.1586 Copyright © 2007 Austin Parks Foundation. All rights reserved. |
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