Historical Cultural Landmarks

MERRIMAN-BOBYS HOUSE - HERITAGE PARK
1521 NORTH CHAPARRAL STREET

The Merriman-Bobys House is the second oldest structure existing in Corpus Christi. (The oldest is the Centennial House located at 411 Upper Broadway.) The structure was built in 1851 by Walter Merriman, a lawyer and land developer. The house was used as a hospital during the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic of 1867. Nearly one-third of the population, including Corpus Christi’s only three doctors, died in the epidemic. The house had many owners over the years, including prominent ranchers who used it as a town home. Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Bobys purchased the house in 1936 and the local chapter of the Texas Poetry Society held meetings here. Morris Lichtenstein bought the house and later donated it to the City in 1981. It was moved from its original location on the Bluff in 1982 and restored by the Corpus Christi Arts Council. This is probably the most unique structure in Heritage Park, yet the most typical of early Corpus Christi architecture. The open porch and shellcrete fireplace are good examples of Early Texas regional architecture. The three distinctive gables are the result of additions to the original structure which was built with native wood and square nails. The front entry includes a raised panel door bordered by sidelights and a full transom. The house operates as a restaurant.

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