Cobbs & Mitchell was among the largest lumbering firms in Michigan, supplying hardwood flooring and other products to consumers.

[4] Cobbs & Mitchell's operations played a major role in the economic development of Cadillac in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

[5] Cobbs married Maude Louise Belcher in April 1898;[3] the same year, he had this house built for himself and his family by local builder James R.

[6] In 1905, additions were made to the house, including adding a reading room over the porte cochere and extending the east wing.

One end of the house has a gable-roofed wing, while the other has what was once a porte cochere, which is now enclosed with an added second story room.