1302 N 11th St

The Woodson Home

Known as the cornerstone of the historic district, this magnificent home was built in the oriental craftsman style with a mixture of architectural elements. The prairie-style home blends English, Danish, French, German, Spanish, and Egyptian Revival designs to complete the residence as a reflection of the world travels experienced by the original owners. Dr. J.M. and Anna Burbank Woodson built the stunning 1302 North 11th Street home during the years of 1914-1916. Constructed around a central atrium, Rock Island, Illinois architect, Olaf Cervin designed the home according to Mrs. Woodson’s elegant and extravagant descriptions for her “dream home”. In addition to the 18,000 square feet original floor plan, the expansive property was located on a four acre site which would eventually include boundless gardens of exotic plants collected from around the world and an amphitheater where Sunday afternoon performances were hosted.

Dr. J.M. Woodson and Anna Burbank Woodson were married in 1892, and they moved to Temple that same year. He was as a Santa Fe Railroad surgeon and his wife was an heiress to a New Orleans sugar magnate. Both individuals were well educated and world traveled. Dr. and Mrs. Woodson served in leadership positions for numerous civic organizations throughout their lives, and they contributed greatly to Temple’s cultural and economic development. Dr. Woodson passed away in 1930, and Mrs. Woodson remained in the home until her death in 1962. The Woodson family sold the home in 1964. For half a century, the Woodsons set an example for others to follow in the areas of civic involvement and economic contribution to the historic district and the City of Temple. Residents who followed the Woodsons have chosen similar paths in regard to accepting the longstanding tradition of maintaining the heritage of the unique home and its surrounding neighborhood.