Seguin in Guadalupe County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Historic Dietz Doll House
Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2020
1. Historic Dietz Doll House Marker
A German-born carpenter, Louis Dietz built this Victorian playhouse, known as The Dietz Doll House, in 1910 for 5-year old Alice O'Brien, an orphan from New York Foundling Hospital. In those days, orphaned or homeless children were transported by train to various small towns throughout the United States for adoption. Louis and his sister Miss Mollie raised Alice, and she played in the Doll House with her cousin Emil "Buddy" Dietz. When the children outgrew the little house, it became the entrance to the family home next to the Dietz Cabinet and Toy Shop at 427 N. Milam Street. There, Louis built furniture and other wooden items including rocking horses and animals on wheels. Another Dietz specialty was carved fruit that appeared almost real enough to eat! Louis also made the child-size wardrobe and dresser on display. The Doll House also exhibits a variety of donated toys representing that turn-of-the-century period and beyond.
In 1967, the Dietz Doll House was donated to the Seguin Conservation Society by Pablo H. Castilla and his son, Ralph P. Castilla, and moved to its present location.
The Dietz Doll House celebrated her 100th Birthday, March 2, 2010
Erected by Seguin Conservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings
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Location. 29° 33.978′ N, 97° 57.811′ W. Marker is in Seguin, Texas, in Guadalupe County. Marker is at the intersection of South River Street and East Live Oak Street, on the left when traveling south on South River Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 South River Street, Seguin TX 78155, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Los Nogales (a few steps from this marker); Campbell Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Zies-Vivroux Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Calaboose (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Juan Nepomuceno Seguin (about 500 feet away); German Pioneers (about 600 feet away); Colonel John Ireland (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seguin.
Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2020
2. Historic Dietz Doll House and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, June 14, 2020
3. Inside view of the Historic Dietz Doll House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 713 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
