#bobby's house

[lazarrusrising]

Every Episode of Supernatural: 70/327

4x10 Heaven and Hell, Details pt2

[thespnreferencedesk]

A Fic Writer's Guide to Bobby's House

Part 1 | Part 2: Library/Den

Click for the full-size, annotated versions of images!

Bobby's library is the unofficial home base of many of the show's earlier seasons. If you keep an eye out, you can spy a handful of objects and pieces of furniture consistently popping up over this room's many appearances, but no two episodes have them arranged the same way. It's also very often that a piece of furniture will pop up in one episode only to be gone the next. Since 4.02 reveals that Bobby has a spare storage room upstairs, it's possible that's where he keeps most of this extra furniture.

There are two main iterations of Bobby's den. The first appears during seasons 1 - 3 and features less furniture, far more books, dark brown trim instead of black, and a different wallpaper (or no wallpaper in 1.22). The new wallpaper and black trim first appear in 3.10, and they can be seen alongside the new layout in seasons 4 - 7. This iteration of the library includes a large Persian rug, ornate wooden desk, twin book shelves to the left of the fireplace, a floor lamp and bookshelf to the right of the fireplace, the red couch in front of a set of bay windows, a half bookshelf in the far left corner, and a rolltop desk in the far right.

A large Persian area rug typically sits in the center of the room except for when some type of trap is being painted on the floor. A devil's trap can be seen on the ceiling in 1.22 and 6.20. Bobby's ceiling is beige and has wooden beams that match the rest of the trim.

The heart of Bobby's library is a wood-burning fireplace with green tiled surround and a black carved mantle where Bobby keeps books and random knick-knacks. In the later seasons, these include a small bulldog statue/bookend, a pewter pitcher with tankards, two silver trophies, and a wooden antique radio. Above the fireplace is a landscape painting framed by two electric wall sconces.

Decorations aside, Bobby's fireplace is also a practical hunter's tool. It's often used as a flame source for spells, and the iron pokers and other tools make for an easy handheld weapon against ghosts and specters. In 5.04, it's revealed that the center section of the mantle hides a secret compartment where he keeps a hunting journal similar to John's.

Bobby's carved wooden desk is first seen in 4.02 and, with a few exceptions, appears consistently up until it burns with the rest of Bobby's house. Earlier episodes (3.03, 3.04) either have a simpler table in its place or no desk at all (seasons 1 - 2).

Bobby's desk is a free-standing open pedestal desk with turned legs, lower shelves, and diamond-shaped carvings. Based on the style, it's likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. Similar desks can be seen here and here. The desk also has three shallow upper drawers, two deeper drawers on each pedestal, and a green stone top that Bobby uses as a chalkboard for spells. In 5.18, it's shown that Bobby keeps his Single-Action Army revolver in one of the drawers. In 6.15, Balthazar is rummaging through Bobby's drawers and finds a saint's bone underneath a false drawer bottom.

In seasons 4 - 5, Bobby tends to use a black flexible goose-neck desk lamp. Starting in season 6, he switches this lamp for a thin, rectangular, golden brown mid-century lamp. It could be assumed that this lamp was also destroyed in the fire that burned Bobby's house, but it actually shows up in Dean's bedroom in the Bunker in later seasons. So either the Men of Letters had the same lamp, Dean found a similar one at a thrift store at some point, or he was able to recover the lamp from the ruins of Bobby's house.

In seasons 1 - 3, the corner to the left of Bobby's fireplace contained the rolltop desk, a console table, and piles of books. This layout can still be seen in 4.01, but it is replaced in 4.02 with two matching bookshelves. The more left of the two bookshelves has a black gooseneck lamp clamped onto the top shelf, and sometimes a dining chair stacked with extra books is also pushed into this corner. Inside of Bobby's mind in 7.10, these shelves also hold framed photos of Bobby with loved ones as well as a book cut out to hide an elaborate crucifix.

Along with the matching bookshelves, 4.02 places a floor lamp, chair, and upright bookcase in the corner to the right of the fire place. This chair is typically some kind of living chair but is sometimes one of the wooden dining chairs that frequently get moved around the library. Next to the bookcase, underneath the bay window, is a red couch with a faint swirl pattern, carved wooden feet, and decorative panels on the arms. Bobby also owns a matching armchair (5.18, see above), but it is not usually seen in the library.

This couch is where Sam or Dean sleep while at Bobby's. If the both of them are there, Sam takes the couch while Dean sleeps on the floor (4.02, above). A gray blanket with faint stripes pops up in a few episodes as well as a striped pillow that appears to match the pillows on the cot in the panic room and in the linen closet upstairs (4.02). Various end tables and dining chairs get moved around the couch and used as nightstands or bookshelves.

To the right of the couch is a half bookshelf and console table stacked with books. In season 5, the console table is replaced with a vintage stereo cabinet. The stereo is used as a table and sometimes holds records (5.18 - 5.21), sometimes holds drawers and books, and sometimes holds a TV (6.04). A similar stereo can be seen here, though note that Bobby's has tapered legs. Also note that the wall sconce in this corner is the only one in this room that has two lights instead of one.

A pair of black pocket doors sits at the back wall of the library and leads to the kitchen. These doors slide into the wall rather than opening in- or outward, and are typically left closed. To the right of the doors is a black double light switch.

To the right of the pocket doors are typically a dining chair stacked with books, a black trunk, an upright blueprint holder filled with maps and plans, and at various times books and a radio. When this radio isn't on the trunk, it tens to sit on top of Bobby's rolltop desk alongside one of his many desk lamps and a decanter and glassware set. This desk is also where Bobby keeps a CB radio (used in 5.10).

Like Bobby's main desk, the rolltop desk is also either likely from the early 18th or early 19th century or is a replica of a desk from that period. It's always seen open and has an assortment of small drawers, cubbies, and cabinets on the desktop. It has a center drawer, and four drawers on the pedestals, and sits on casters so it can be easily moved.

As previously mentioned, there are several variations of Bobby's library within the show. In it's first appearance in 1.22, the library didn't have it's signature red wallpaper. The first wallpaper appears in 2.14 and has a toile pattern while the second wallpaper has a look closer to a jacquard or brocade. When we see Bobby's heaven in 10.17, the wallpaper (and rug and radio and couch...) is different once again.

Sometime between seasons 3 and 4, the dark brown wood trim in Bobby's library is painted black. In season 5, while Bobby uses a wheelchair, the couch is replaced with a twin bed with wooden headboard.

Bobby's library gets neater and cozier with every episode. What is little more than a dark place to stack hundreds of books in its first appearance is, by season 7, a proper living space with multiple light sources, tchotchkes, records, a couch, and pillows. No wonder it's the place where time and time again someone is brought when they need to stay somewhere safe and familiar. After years of being alone after his wife's death, it's almost as if reconnecting with his boys motivated Bobby to finally turn his house back into a home.

[xoperidottea]

So, because I'm weird about trying to make my own fics weave with canon compliance, I just wanted to share a little tidbit when doing fics for SPN, particularly with placing Bobby's house. I'm combining my neurotic researching skills, encyclopedic SPN knowledge, personal experiences, and my work-related aeronautical knowledge for this one (explained below).

The issue a lot of fic writers and fans (myself included) have vocalized over the years is how the show runners clearly had never been to Sioux Falls, SD or weren't familiar w/ the area, and kind of did bad placing with Bobby's house. However, there is a way that Bobby's house could be technically in Sioux Falls and have more rural aspects.

**NOTE - if you're from Sioux Falls or know the area, feel free to correct me or add on to this**

Basically, you have to treat it more so the way you would general metropolitan areas. For example, UMBC is actually in Catonsville, MD but uses a Baltimore address. Cape St. Claire, MD has a similar situation where it is its own individual town, has its own post office, and has its own fire department but it's still listed as Annapolis, MD on postage. When I went out to CA, there were little towns all over the greater LA metro area that do the same thing. My friends in CA, instead of saying the actual name of the town they live in, will just call it Long Beach because they're in that area. When I talk about Cape St Claire to folks not familiar with MD, I just call it Annapolis and so do some of my coworkers. So, when Bobby talks about being from Sioux Falls, he might actually just be referring to the general area.

Continuing from the previous point, there is a shit ton of rural areas immediately outside the city limits. Bobby's house easily could have been just outside of the city limits and still be considered Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Back in 2005 when SPN started, it had a population of approx. 141k. In 2023, it had a population of approx. 206k. A significant trunk of the outer edges of the city were still rural during early seasons SPN. A radio station in Sioux Falls, 104.7 FM, has a page comparing areas of Sioux Falls from 2008 to 2022. Based of city development from the past 10-14yrs, Singer Salvage easily could have been still within city limits but in a more rural neighborhood.

Looking at Google Maps, it is not uncommon to have car dealerships, repair shops, etc. seemingly in the middle of nowhere outside the official Sioux Falls city limits. We have this in SoMD too, where you'll be driving through the woods, on back roads, in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere, and suddenly find a random auto shop or junk yard (my step-dad's cousin owns one such shop)

Bobby's house was probably either SE, SW, or N of the city, since it was seemingly not in the flight path of FSD (Sioux Falls Regional Airport). I say this knowing full well that TV magic would have blocked out any airplane noises from the sound tracks. However, considering that airplanes were shown/heard several times throughout SPN, if Bobby's house had been in a flight path, it probably would have been mentioned. Based on the show transcripts, it was never mentioned in the show (f/ what I've seen), so it's safe to assume that he is not near the airport or within the flight path. You can look up the flight paths of active flights going to/from Sioux Falls for free on flight aware.

[foxthefanboi]

@spnhiatuscreations Week 6 | Favorite Location

↳ Bobby’s House

[cyi-can-you-imagine]

Starved (ch 3)

Bobby’s House

Dean carefully unfolded the letter and began to read.

Dean,

Sam told me everything. You’ve traumatized him Dean. You’ve brainwashed him. As much as I love you son, you aren’t the boy I thought you were. I can’t have you near Sam anymore. You broke him, Dean. He gives in to you because he thinks he has to. You made him think he’s in love with you. It’s sick, Dean. It’s wrong. I’m going to help him. I’m going to take him far away from you. And I’ll teach him what he was doing was wrong. I’ll cure him. I’ll make him remember the truth. I’ll make sure he won’t fall for your lies – or anyone else’s, for that matter – ever again.

Use the money to get a bus ticket to somewhere. Anywhere. You won’t ever be able to hurt him anymore. You will never see your brother again, I’ll make sure of that. And I’ll make sure he never wants to see you again.

John

Dean crumpled the letter and threw it on the floor. Dad – no – John was gone. And Sam was gone. Gone. Taken from him. And Dean had no idea where they could be. He sat on the floor, tears falling as he sobbed softly into the empty room.

He managed to gather his belongings and get to the bus station within the hour. His dad must have come in sometime after he’d poisoned him, because all of Sammy’s stuff was gone. There wasn’t much for him to take with him. Knowing his dad had just…stepped over his unconscious body and left him there tore his heart out. Did his dad think he had killed him? If he did, why would he leave the note and the money.

No, he just meant to hurt his oldest son. He wanted Dean to know they had a significant head start. And make sure he suffered knowing he’d been able to get Sam away from him. Dean punched the wall, leaving a small hole, and slammed the motel door behind him.

He got a bus ticket to Sioux Falls and headed back to Bobby. Bobby, of course, picked him up immediately and took him home.

Dean explained to Bobby the gist of the situation. (He of course, left out a few key pieces of information.)  Bobby’s lips formed into a tight line and he sighed heavily, shaking his head.

“Have you called him yet?” Bobby suggested. They were sitting at the kitchen table. Bobby had poured each of them a small tumbler of whiskey.

Dean was tired from crying, and he sipped his drink slowly. “Yeah Tried that. Number has been disconnected. Both of their phones.”

Bobby nodded. He stared hard at Dean. “There’s something you ain’t telling me. Dean, tell me what happened. What really happened? Start from the beginning of this story, not the end, ok? Then we can see what we can do about finding them.” Bobby shifted in his chair and cleared his throat.

Dean’ hands trembled as he ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath. “Ok, Bobby. But. Please. Just listen to the end. No judging me, I mean – us - until then, ok?” He felt like throwing up, letting the secret out – but John knew already, so he might as well have people on his side, if he could get them.

Bobby nodded and accepted Dean’s terms.

It was very difficult and scary for Dean to open up to Bobby, to tell him everything. He was shaking and crying the whole time. But he had literally nowhere else to go. He knew if Bobby shut him out, then he’d be screwed. Alone. So he started at the beginning. Before the shower. Before they got caught. He told him when it started and how they felt about each other. He told Bobby everything.

Bobby listened. He just sat back, and made no comments or expressions until Dean was finished.

“Ok then…” Bobby paused, rubbing his hand across his beard. He cleared his throat. “I ain’t judging you, alright? I uh…actually saw you making out once, so…uh…it’s not really a secret, Dean. It’s no wonder why you’re so distraught. We’re gonna do what we can to get Sam back, ok? I know John’s gonna fight this, but Dean – I think you are in the right here, not your dad.” Bobby’s voice was soft. Dean heard the love behind it and relaxed a little.

“You know? You knew? And you never –“

“Ain’t my business, Dean. Besides…uh,” Bobby cleared his throat. “What I saw? You guys uh…really love each other.” Bobby shuddered at the memory, but still respected them enough to keep it to himself.

“Wow. I uh…Thank you.” Dean’s face turned bright red and he sat back, unsure what to say next.

“Yeah well, nothing is ever normal for hunters, so…whatever is…just is.” Bobby patted Dean on the back. “Let’s see if we can find Sam.”

***

Weeks passed. Bobby and Dean had tried to find them. They asked other hunters to keep an eye out. They searched exhaustedly for weeks. Dean drove east and Bobby drove west. Rufus even pitched in. They asked every hunter they knew. But no one had seen them. (Or if they had, they were keeping quiet.) Truth is, though, that John knew how to hide.  It had been too long – and not even one clue. Not one. Dean was devastated.

He missed his brother. He missed his touch. Falling in love with Sam wasn’t his choice. It just…happened. And Sam was in love with him.

And now Sam was gone.

Dean had no idea where he was or what John was doing to him.

He cried himself to sleep for six days in a row.

***

(Seven weeks later)  

Nothing. Not a single sighting. No one knew anything. And Bobby even had a few working undercover who found absolutely nothing. John and Sam had disappeared.

Gone.

Bobby made Dean stop looking.  It took a tremendous amount of persuading, and Dean really only promised a short break, but Bobby knew it was time to stop. He feared the absolute worse and never breathed a word of his concern to Dean.

No Dean, didn’t need that.

[just-another-busy-fangirl]

79/365-2

[brothersapart]

November 30th excerpt:

Not one to be left out of even the chance of a drink, Dean immediately jumped back into the conversation, waving a hand over his head to be sure they were paying attention to him. “I’ll take a whiskey! Neat!” he ordered, remembering exactly how to say it from a childhood spent watching his father go to bars and months spent at Bobby’s house, sneaking shots of whiskey when the adults weren’t paying attention.

[strawberryblondefilms]