What, Where, and Why of the

Native House Center

After Dr. Oscar B. Jacobson passed away in 1966, the House was rented out until it was given to the OU Foundation and thereafter sold to the University. By tearing down the Jacobson House and adding more parking at this convenient location, the University of Oklahoma intended to address one of its pressing issues. Thankfully, a group of Norman residents recognized much more than just a parking lot in the fairly run-down home and started working to save the House.

History of the House

The Jacobson House was built in 1917 by Oscar and Jeanne Jacobson during WW1. A reference to Jacobson's Swedish ancestry may be seen in the entrance that connects the home and garage as well as the wooden scrollwork encircling the garage windows. The formal living area, which has a gallery-like feel, and classical columns give the room a timeless, bright feel that everyone who enters may enjoy. The lady of the home used the rear porch to hold social events and other entertainment.

This old house was uniquely designed by Jacobson with a lot of passive climate control systems. He designed it with French doors, wide porches, ample windows, and beautiful gardens to bring the outside within, ensuring that family and guests would never be cut off from nature. It promotes the use of the lawns as an addition to the housing.

609 Chautauqua Ave
Norman, OK 73069

Location

1917

Established

Who Was
Oscar Brousse Jacobson?

Oscar was born on 1882 in Sweden. At the age of 8, he had moved to Kansas where he later attended Bethany College and graduted in 1908. He later went on to graduate from Yale University in 1916 with his masters. In addition, in 1941 he obtained his doctorate from Bethany College.

After his studies, Jacobson actively pushed all arts to a developing state. He and the University of Oklahoma are irrevocably linked to as one through traditional Plains Indian painting. Jacobson became their ally and mentor since he had respect for and a high opinion of Indian people.

Jacobson was a prominent landscape painter of the Southwest who had exhibitions of his art all across the United States and Europe. He passed away on 1966.