The Olive Cottage at 914 Post Office has an interesting and curious history. The house was built circa 1879 for Frederick Wagenbredt. It originally stood in the 900 block of the Strand which is now the University of Texas Medical Branch. The house was moved in 1924 three blocks south to it's present location on Postoffice Street.

Mr. Wagenbredt operated a coffee stand at the Central Market downtown. In 1881 his widow, Mrs. Matilda Wagenbredt became the listed owner. She offered rooms for rent in her home in 1883 and continued to do so for over thirty years.

In 1908 Henry Werner became the owner of the house. Werner owned and operated the Werner Candy Company, which he seems to have operated out of the house. Mr. Werner appears to be the one responsible for moving the house to Postoffice street after he sold the lot on Strand to the University.

In April of 1945 Mauro S. Patane and his wife Josephine purchased the house from Laura Werner. Patane and his family lived in the home into the 1960's. They were responsible for planting the two olive trees in the front of the home. The trees were purchased from a merchant who imported the trees from New Orleans. The tangerine tree in the back yard was planted from a seed by Josephine.

Patane's daughter, Edna, married Joe Grillo. Edna has many fond memories of her childhood home and has been able to tell us some of the home's history, and many interesting facts. For instance, at one time there were 3 fireplaces in the home!