FORMERLY HERITAGE SOCIETY OF AUSTIN SAVING THE GOOD STUFF
Spring 2013 H Volume 17 No. 2
H 21st Annual Heritage Homes Tour
Historic Homes & Gardens April 6, 2013 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
P reservation Austin proudly announces its 21st Schmeil, AIA J.C. by page this Photos annual Heritage Homes Tour to be held on April 6, Dill-White House, 1110 E. 10th Street 2013, spotlighting historic homes that also have lovely gardens, from grand mansions to charming cottages.
Tour highlights will include the fabulously restored interiors of historic homes featured in Country Living Magazine and Martha Stewart Living Magazine, as well as one of the oldest homesteads in Austin, at Boggy Creek Farm. Guests will enjoy docent led tours to learn more about the history and architecture of the featured homes, then can also wander through the gardens at their leisure. At Boggy Creek Farms, guests will also learn Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons Road about the crops and traditional organic farming methods of this farm which began operations ca. 1840.
Preservation Austin believes that one of Austin’s great assets is the wealth of intact historic neighborhoods that stabilize and enhance our central city. The Heritage Homes Tour provides a valuable resource to our community by raising awareness and appreciation of these noteworthy neighborhoods by spotlighting. Attendees learn about our community’s history and architecture and witness how residents value older In association with the tour, we also presented the neighborhoods, preserving the qualities that made Homes tour Kick-off Party on March 19 at Big Red Sun at them special. 1311 E. Cesar Chavez. Guests enjoyed live music, drinks
Continued on page 3 SAVE THE DATE House Cocktails Presented by Dripping Springs Vodka $35 per person 2012-2013 Board of Directors
Preservation Austin is pleased to launch a new series H OFFICERS H of cocktail parties with a unique twist. Join us as we Tere O’Connell, President Lin Team, 2nd VP gather in beautiful historic homes and enjoy hand crafted Tom Stacy, President-Elect Paula Aaronson, Secretary cocktails that match the house’s era, served up by Alamo August Harris, 1st VP Jim DeCosmo, Treasurer Drafthouse’s award winning mixologist, Bill Norris. John Rosato, Immediate Past President
Thursday, June 13, 2013 H DIRECTORS H The Granger House (1952) Paula Aaronson Brianna Landry Kim McKnight Home of Jeff Harper & Mark Seeger Lisa Byrd Tim League Andrea McWilliams 805 W. 16th St. Danette Chimenti Emily Little Maureen Metteauer Mandy Dealey Jennifer Marsh Marion Sanchez Featuring Mad Men cocktails! John Donisi Melanie Martinez Tammy Shaklee Jerry Harris Peter Flagg Maxson Nikhil Sinha Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 Shelly Hemingson John Mayfield Eric Smith Millbrook (1850) Courtney Hoffman Nancy Nichols Edward Tasch Saundra Kirk Kristy Ozmun Stephen Webb Home of Nancy Whitworth 1803 Evergreen, 78704 H VOTING REPRESENTATIVES H Featuring classic punches and sherry cobblers Michael Holleran, UT School of Architecture H Stacie Rychlik, Inherit Austin John Rosato (as above), Landmark Commission Mike Ward, Pioneer Farms Get the earliest notice of event ticket sales and updates on the H WATERLOO SOCIETY H latest preservation Paula & Lee Aaronson Clark Lyda issues in Austin. James Armstrong & Larry Connelly Patsy Wood Martin & Jack Martin Ann Griffith Ash Peter Flagg Maxson & John C. R. Taylor III Like us at https:// Melanie & Ben Barnes McBee Family Foundation www.facebook.com/ BlueCross BlueShield of Texas Jill & Dennis McDaniel PreservationAustin Bobbie Beal Emily Moreland Booth Heritage Foundation Kathleen Monahan & Michael Mullen (Suzanne Deal Booth & David G. Booth) Rosemary Morrow Sabrina & Jay Brown Carole & George Nalle Ann Butler Cheryl & John Sauder Danette Chimenti Tammy Shaklee & Clif Mitchell Tim Cuppett & Marco Rini Sue & C. Aubrey Smith, Jr. Kim & James DeCosmo Eric & Cynthia Smith H STAFF Cissie & Dillon Ferguson Bratten Thomason Frost Bank Kris Umlauf Jacqui Schraad, Executive Director Regan & Billy Gammon Jeanne Umstattd Angela Reed, Preservation Program Manager Beth & Tom Granger Candace & John Volz Mailing Address - P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 Becky & Bob Buslett/Green Pastures David Wilson Physical Address - 500 Chicon, Austin, 78702 Debbie & Mark Hanna Carol Winkel Ph. (512) 474-5198 Fax (512) 476-8687 Dealey Herndon Patricia Winston & Bill Head [email protected] Courtney & Clark Hoffman Eva & Marvin Womack www.preservationaustin.org Mrs. Janie Holloway & Mr. John Weisinger
2 SPRING 2013 Heritage Homes Tour continued from page 1 FEATURED HOMES LIST and nibbles, door prizes and ticket The Academy give-aways. Homes Tour volunteers 400 Academy Dr., 78704 enjoyed free admission. The Brunson House We will also present: 200 The Circle, 78704 Boggy Creek Farm Photos this page by J.C. Schmeil, AIA J.C. by page this Photos Historic Landscapes of Texas Lecture 3414 Lyons Road, 78702 by Catherine O’Connor, RLA Dill-White House Thursday, March 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 1110 E. 10th, 78702 Austin Woman’s Club Wells-LaRue House 710 San Antonio, 78701 4524 Avenue F, 78751 $15 per guest The Hackett House Our speaker will discuss restoration 102 W 33rd Street, 78705 of historic landscapes; discoveries and The Academy, 400 Academy Drive challenges in research and the stories the landscapes tell. Evening includes wine & cheese reception and tour of Steering Committee the North-Evans Chateau. Thanks to the committee members who help promote and sell tickets Tour and lecture tickets are available to this event. in advance on line. Tour tickets are also available (cash & check only) at Tour Co-Chairs the consignment locations: Rosemary Ratliff Breed & Co. (both locations), Zinger Rosemary Stewart Hardware, and Tarrytown Pharmacy, Members or on day of event at all the featured Julie Biggart homes. $23 members / $28 non-members Danette Chimenti / $23 Children 12 and under. To buy Lisa E. Davis tickets or for more information on the Noelle Donnelly tour, map, and FAQ, visit Jan Graham www.preservationaustin.org. Jennifer Marsh The Brunson House, 200 The Circle Melanie Martinez Cori Modisett Gretchen Moran Susanna Murray Heather Nelson Donnell Ocker Tere O’Connell Stephanie Teague Jennifer Walden Matt Welch H Wells-LaRue House, 4524 Avenue F Hackett House, 102 W 33rd Street
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 3 H President’s Message H Tere O’Connell, AIA
H ello Everyone, talented Rebranding Committee of Shelly Hemingson (Chair), Tim Whew! These past few months have League, Kristy Ozmun, Kim McKnight, been a whirlwind of activity and Courtney Hoffman, and John Rosato. transformation for Preservation Helms Workshop created our new Austin as we are growing into logo identity, and our brilliant new our new name. We are well on website was created by Visual Chefs. our way to meeting our other The launch of our Austin Historic that are sure to be a success. Have goals for the year: increased Tours iPhone app is also a huge you seen the new invitation to the memberships, strategic alliances, hit! Many thanks to our partner Historic Homes & Gardens tour, set and awareness of the value of our the Austin Convention & Visitor’s for April 6? It looks fabulous. I hope historic resources. We have received Bureau, plus the Downtown to see you all there. nothing but support during this Austin Alliance, Lucy Perez exciting time, and we are certainly Photography, Tenderling Design, Thank you for your support of invigorated and thankful for that. Austin Foundation for Architecture, Preservation Austin! Maureen Metteauer, Stephanie This was all made possible through Kirschner, Laurie Limbacher, Charlie Best Regards, the heroic efforts of our Executive Betts, and Tim League for their work Tere O’Connell Director, Jacqui Schraad, working on this fantastic marketing tool. PRESIDENT closely with the amazing and We have many upcoming events H
H Inherit Austin By Stacie Rychlik
nherit Austin’s 2013 is off to a Laguna Gloria was a joyful morning for Our next to-be-determined event will great start. We kicked off the many young children and their families. be in May. Watch for updates via email, new year with a Hot Club of Cowtown This Austin tradition is a picturesque our website and Facebook. It’s sure to be happy hour show at the Continental event on the grounds of the historic 1916 social, fun and historic. We look forward Club on January 23rd. And, as a special Driscoll Villa. to seeing you there. program for the Inherit Austin event, Throughout 2013, Inherit Austin will be we were treated to a lecture on the INHERIT AUSTIN aims to supporting Preservation Austin’s House music that truly made Austin’s history cultivate a new generation of Cocktails by providing volunteers at by club historian, preservationists in Austin. As young these fun events. The first cocktail party Dianne Scott. The professionals, we celebrate local history took place on February 23rd at the 1913 Continental Club, by gathering for fun, social events at Goff-Radkey House and current home of a music venue historically significant venues. Karrie and Tim League. The next events since 1957, is a past Preservation Award Please call the PA office or check are in June and October, and are open to recipient and landmark of Austin’s out the website and to join Inherit the public. Please contact stacierychlik@ musical legacy. Austin. Memberships: $65/individual, hotmail.com if you are interested in $90/couple-dual volunteering. Once again, the annual Inherit Austin Easter Egg Hunt on March 23rd at H
4 SPRING 2013 H HERITAGE QUIZ By Melanie Martinez
P reservation Austin presents a monthly on-line Heritage Quiz. The first Friday of every month, we post on our Facebook page an image of an historic site in Austin. The first responder to identify the site wins a gift certificate to Cenote coffeehouse. Don’t miss this opportunity for public glory and a gratis caffeine fix. Like us now at https://www.facebook.com/PreservationAustin
Congratulations to our recent winners to date, who correctly identified the following properties:
Roberts Clinic 1174 San Bernard St. Winner: Amy Ruthrauff McWhorter
This City of Austin landmark is a significant site in Texas’ African American history. The home was built in 1937 for Dr. E.L. Roberts, who attended Maharry Medical College in Nashville and interned at John A. Andrews Hospital in Tuskegee. Dr. Roberts was the physician to Nashville Public Schools before coming to Austin in 1932. Dr. Roberts is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, E. 12th and Airport Blvd. in plot BB1-29-8.
Baptist Student Center 2204 San Antonio Street Winner: Mary Baughman
The Baptist Student Center was correctly identified as the home of this 1949 tile mural by Mid Century Modern artist Seymour Fogel. In 1946, Fogel moved to Austin where he accepted a teaching position at UT. He became an integral part of the Texas Modernism movement and executed what have been considered the first abstract murals in the state for the American National Bank (1953) and the Baptist Student Center at the University of Texas. Fogel’s home “Southwind” in Austin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Driskill-Day-Ford Building 403 E. 6th Street Winner: Anne Bergstrom Hunt
Built in 1875, this Austin Landmark was home for 22 years to one of Austin’s beloved music venues, Steamboat 1874. This is also one of the 13 or fewer remaining buildings associated with Abner Cook, a self-taught Texas architect and contractor responsible for design on 38 buildings in Texas, including the Governor’s Mansion and the first state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was the most significant designer of Greek Revival buildings in antebellum Texas. H
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 5 Music and Preservation Make Sweet Harmony
By Melanie Martinez Preservation Austin Board member and local bassist Photo credit: Melanie Martinez credit: Photo
L ive music venues are as much about people as architecture, but Sharon Jones and the the architecture sure does help. To DapKings play at the my ear, the warm materials in old current Antone’s buildings make music sound better. As a musician, I’ve had a chance to play It certainly must be Austin’s number often do we actually still go to these in a wide variety of venues in Austin one favorite historic music venue. clubs we once cherished? We still have and my favorites are always the old the Continental Club and the Broken buildings. Looking at the popularity of Austin’s Spoke, Hole in the Wall, the Saxon beloved music venues through Pub and the Cactus Café, the Elephant Music and old buildings just seem the years tells a story about our Room and the Victory Grill, as well to feel better together. For instance, development and our neighborhoods. as a few others. Although not at all the walls of the historic clubs on The venue’s location plays a role in like Liberty Lunch, Lambert’s next to E. 6th Street are often limestone or old a neighborhood’s popularity, often city hall is a great historic building Austin Commons brick and the floors bringing newcomers who decide featuring live music and tries to carry and ceilings are usually long leaf pine. to move there because they enjoy the flame of its former neighbor. The many layers of breath and smoke the music. This was happening long and all kinds of things going on, coat before South by Southwest. It will be Listening to the music community the walls and make the music sound interesting to see how our historic lament the loss of their favorite warmer and more human. Historic music venues such as the Broken venues, I can’t help but notice most venues seem to wear an energy field Spoke evolve as their surroundings of those beloved venues were housed made from all the layers of emotions change. in historic buildings. I would love to played out in them over decades – the see the Austin music and preservation love and joy, pain and release, all felt Of course, we all mourn the losses for community unite and share our in the music. many reasons. Our memories no longer stories so we can leave a legacy of an have a physical address. We miss the authentic history of the people and Important moments of my life include Vulcan Gas Co. and the Armadillo, places which helped make Austin the memories of the Austin Opera House, Raul’s, Soap Creek Saloon, Chicago real Live Music Capital of the World. the Armadillo, Liberty Lunch, the Saxon House, the Electric Lounge, the Black Pub, Club Foot, Steamboat and even Cat, Momo’s, the Split Rail, South Park By this time next year, Preservation the little Filling Station on Barton Meadows, Joe’s Generic, The Beach, Austin’s Historic Austin Tours app Springs Road where I got my start the original Emo’s, Beerland and the will add historic music venues to its playing at Ted Hall’s blues jams. We’ve Cannibal Club. The list goes on. list of tours. It will tell the stories of all got our clubs and our memories but our favorite iconic music venues and something about the Continental Club Yes, we’ve made some efforts to put them in context with Austin’s on South Congress speaks to everyone. preserve a bit of the past; but how Continued on page 7
6 SPRING 2013 Music and Preservation continued from page 6 H HISTORIC MUSIC VENUES history as a growing city that has always had a soft spot for music. SURVEY
If you have a story to share about 1 Please choose 10 of the following music venues you feel best represent Austin’s musical history. Your answers will be used by Preservation Austin to create a SmartPhone app touring your experience in one of Austin’s the Historic Music Venues of Austin. historic music venues we would love to hear it and possibly use it in Dessau Hall The Continental Club our new phone app tour of historic The Jade Room The Alamo Lounge music venues. If you haven’t already The Rome Inn Emmajoe’s The One Knite Threadgill’s (original location N. Lamar) taken our survey which you can find The Old New Orleans Club Austin Opry House online at www.preservationaustin. The Scoot Inn Liberty Lunch org, please take a moment and fill The Saxon Pub Scholz Biergarten out the attached survey to note Antone’s (original location 6th Hole in the Wall which of Austin’s music venues you & Brazos) Raul’s think are the most important to The Broken Spoke Vulcan Gas Co. Austin’s history. Add your memories Club Foot Steamboat to the survey, or e-mail your story Skyline Club The Ritz to Angela Reed, Preservation Soap Creek Saloon Studio 6A (original Austin City Austin’s Program Manager, angela@ Victory Grill Limits Studio) preservationaustin.org. Ginny’s Little Longhorn
MANY THANKS 2 Please share your memories or experiences at one of these venues or tell us why you think they’re important to telling the story of Austin. ...to the sponsors that ______helped make the Historic Austin Tour App possible: ______Austin Convention & ______Visitors Bureau ______Downtown Austin Alliance ______Austin Foundation for Architecture Jeff Albrecht ______Thomas Bercy ______Julie Fitch ______April Garner Carolyn Grimes 3 Preservation Austin may share my memory posted above either online or in printed materials. Shelly Hemingson Yes No Tim League Emily Little 4 Please share your contact information so we may ask you more questions about your Lazan Pargaman memory, if needed. Karen Pope Name: ______Mary Rickhoff Email Address: ______Blake Shanley Chris Thomas Please return survey to: Preservation Austin, P. O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 H
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 7 A Many Layered History: The French Legation Museum
by Noel Harris Freeze, Director
I nterpreting history for the public Because of the Museum’s name, many can be tricky. Especially if the visitors come seeking a “French” story you are trying to tell doesn’t experience. Both Francophones and quite match the visitor’s preconceived Francofiles visit frequently, and two idea of the site. Sometimes there is different pétanque groups play on our little historical information. Public gravel lanes each week. A legation is a historians use information from letters, diplomat’s home and truthfully, Dubois’
newspapers and journals to voice the intention to inhabit the historic house Robertson Master Bedroom experiences of historical actors. If is our only connection with France. these documents are not available, Nonetheless, questions concerning our The moment the historic house telling a factual story can be difficult. “Frenchness” create an opportunity to became a museum, domestic activities On the other hand, an abundance of tell a broader story. ceased, replaced by reconstructions, information can be just as hard. Layers representations and reenactments of of stories can overwhelm historians The Robertsons lived in Austin at the the lives of past residents. In the mid- requiring the careful selection of same time as Alphonse Dubois, and twentieth-century, the French Legation details, resulting in a simpler narrative. some accounts place them at the Museum Committee (our acting At the French Legation Museum, each same social gatherings. The Robertson board) developed an interpretation of these challenges has influenced our families passed on their memory of that included both the Dubois and storytelling. Dubois and his time in Texas to their the Robertson families. The house’s children. The last of the Robertsons to central hallway bisects the home as After walking through the door of our live in the house, Lillie and Sarah, were well as the interpretive areas, with visitor center, many people ask, “What inspired to hang a sign that incorrectly, Dubois on the west side of the hall, is this place? Is it French? What’s a if not charmingly, called the house “the and the Robertsons on the east side. legation?” Simply put, this place is Old French Embassy.” They even gave The Committee gathered furnishings one of the oldest buildings in Austin. tours for a small fee. and other objects, including pieces Built in 1841 with personal funds for with provenance relating to Dubois the French chargé d’affaires, Alphonse Most Austinites refer to the Museum and to the Robertsons. Dubois’ side Dubois, the house was intended to as “the Legation.” However, we are of the house reflects mid-nineteenth- serve as a private home and office. not a diplomatic outpost. When Lillie century French-influenced taste. The Dubois left Austin in 1842, and in and Sarah Robertson gave public tours east side is visibly American Victorian, 1848 the Robertson family bought the of the house, they transformed the furnished with items produced in property. The State of Texas purchased very private family home into a public factories in the Midwest and eastern the land and house in 1849. In 1956, institution of learning – a museum. United States. Reflecting both Dubois when the Daughters of the Republic of Both Robertson daughters belonged to and the Robertsons in the same space Texas were granted custodianship, the the Daughters of the Republic of Texas can confuse visitors. Few homes house DRT transformed the family residence and it was by their request that the such different stories in the same into a museum. State purchase the property and grant building. A French bachelor would have custodianship to the DRT. Continued on page 9
8 SPRING 2013 Artifacts from a recent dig Front exterior of the French Legation
French Legation continued from page 8 research of former French Legation concert series will celebrate Austin’s Museum Director, Stephanie Jarvis, we legacy as the Live Music Capital of the used the house much differently than know that the Robertson family sold World. We hope that this programming a pioneer Texas family of thirteen. Our parcels of their original twenty-two contributes to future storytelling at our Museum docents carefully explain the acres of land to freedmen following site, adding strata to our ever growing uses of each room by the different emancipation. Homes built on these interpretation. residents, relying on the visitors’ properties contribute to the legacy ______imaginations to conjure what is celebrated by the African American For the month of April, Preservation not visible. Cultural and Heritage Facility, just a Austin members can mention this few blocks away. article and receive free admission to An archaeological excavation in the French Legation Museum. the 1950s revealed the site of the original detached kitchen, a building As the French Legation Museum H that would have been the workplace moves forward, our goal is to make of the family’s enslaved workers. A inroads with the community and to reconstructed kitchen was erected on be thought of as more than just a the original footprint and filled with a house museum. We continue to work all collection of French culinary antiques toward interpreting of the people by a generous philanthropic family. who have lived on the site, trying to However, neither the building nor the attract both our neighbors as well as objects reflect the people who would visitors from far away. We hope to have worked there. Few records exist in bring people together and to tell the public collections that provide details many layered, expansive histories of about the private lives of Austin’s the Austin community through our enslaved residents. The archaeological public programs. This year we will record helps some. The excavation partner with Breakthrough Austin to uncovered a remarkable collection provide tutoring programs for students of consumer goods including sewing trying to get into college. Foodways implements, English transfer ware and Texas and local culinary historian Toni glass marbles, all items likely owned Tipton-Martin will help us investigate and used by bondsmen. Thanks to the our city’s love of food. Our monthly
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 9 H Preservation Champions By Liz Carmack
Boggy Creek Farm The Smith Family Homestead
one of Austin’s Our vision initially was a geographic one. three oldest Although we lived in Old West Austin, buildings (the we were already farming at our Milam other two being County farm, 80 miles northeast, and we the 1841 French thought: Wow, we can farm here and live Legation and here! Our vision also was to provide our the 1855 Paggi community with fresh, nutritious and House). Carol Ann clean produce. It still is our vision.
Carol Ann Sayles & Larry Butler and Larry often welcome supporters of the local food How did you go about piecing together the history of the farmhouse? What did n 1839, James and Elizabeth Smith movement, those curious about urban I you uncover? settled on 50 acres of prairie in what farming or local history, and others who is now East Austin. Today, five acres of visit the farm for tours or to attend one We spent hours researching during the their homestead is Boggy Creek Farm, of the many educational and fundraising cold, wet winters in the early 1990s. We Austin’s first urban farm, which supplies events the couple hosts. got everything that the city had, which organic vegetables, fruit and eggs to was pitifully little. And they were stuck The Smith House and Boggy Creek Farm the community at its twice-a-week farm on 1854 as the building date. We knew will be featured as part of Preservation stand. When Boggy Creek’s owners Carol that was totally wrong. In every era, Austin’s Historic Homes & Gardens Tour Ann Sayle and Larry Butler bought the there are architectural “themes” and on April 6. Carol Ann said she loves land and the Smith home in 1992, they house builders build “look-alike” designs sharing the farm and its history with found the building “caving in,” trash because they are what people want. visitors. dumped along the edges of the property, The 1841 French Legation, stripped of its fancy adornments, has basically the and rich bottomland ripe for cultivation. Why did you and Larry decide to same floor plan as the Smith farmhouse. They restored the Greek Revival style purchase the Smith homestead? It, too, is Greek Revival style, with farmhouse, which was built in 1840-41, What was your vision? as their home. identical main rooms, identical minor We love old houses. We lived in and rooms cut through the middle with an restored 702 Highland Avenue, a two- Hundreds of devotees shop regularly enclosed dog trot central hallway. story 1920 Craftsman-style home in Old at this unassuming destination that is A good amount of information exists on West Austin, before moving to the farm. tucked into a quiet neighborhood along this property because James Smith died We knew the soil here along Boggy Creek Boggy Creek. Shoppers browse heirloom with only a deathbed will, witnessed was bottomland and that there was a tomatoes, kale and strawberries a few by his friends. So the settlement of the shallow aquifer well. We also loved East steps from the one-story, whitewashed estate had to go through the courts, and Smith House, which is thought to be Austin and we speak Spanish. Continued on page 11
10 SPRING 2013 Preservation Champions continued from page 10 there was much testimony by the widow shiplap, cheesecloth and wallpaper. boards and the used barn planks in the Elizabeth Hayden Smith and James’ Two of the back rooms – dining room, hall and one bedroom. A stencil saying eldest son, Alfred Smith. Alfred wanted bedroom – appear to have the original Calcasieu Lumber Co. is on one board. more of the estate because, he testified tongue-and-groove wood boards. in court, he “supervised the building of Our house also shows marks of the his father’s house over the winter of The 1,500-square-foot house is drafty and 1900 flood, which spread out from the 1840-41.” That was our first clue that the cold. Big plastic bags filled with crumpled Colorado River for a mile. There are year 1854 was wrong. newspapers and stuffed into the flues black stains on the 2 x 4s in our walls, of the two chimneys keep our heat from indicating that water rose into the house. What has been your most exciting leaving and stop cold air from sinking discovery? into the house. In the field, especially in the area that We discovered the biggest news in the used to have a long barn, we have found The Siegman/Linscomb family, who spring of 2011 – that Sam Houston dined quite a few horseshoes, a couple of owned the house from 1902 to 1979, here on Dec. 24, 1841, for a wedding muleshoes (there is a mention in John installed new East Texas pine floor supper celebrating the marriage of Franklin’s letters of borrowing a relative’s boards over the original Bastrop pine Alfred. A descendant of the Siegmunds mule after the Civil War ended), bits and floor in the 1930s. It made the house (who owned the property from 1902- pieces of pottery, and connecting parts much warmer. We took up this “new” 1979) found Houston’s letter to his wife of the shutter hardware. Archeological floor in the hall and could see sunshine detailing the event. He said when he ate student digs, led by Dr. Karen Bell, have on the dirt below through the cracks there, Dec. 24, 1841, that the Smith place found a lot of pottery pieces. between the original floor boards, was about “three miles from this place.” and hear our chickens clucking under In many old documents, “this place” is Historic preservation at Boggy Creek the floor. We insulated the floor from Austin. Farm means much more than saving underneath to help the problem. It’s a historic building. Boggy Creek is still an old house, however, and the Our gut always told us that the house a working farm producing food for unrestored old windows are not efficient was the same era as the French Legation. the community. Your efforts support at all. Since the house is wood, there is Now we know for sure. Republic of Texas sustainability. Any comments about a lot of necessary maintenance on the President Sam Houston’s letter to his how preservation and sustainability exterior. wife cinched the deal. We have the go hand in hand? farm’s history and a link to this letter on The other challenge has been that there Preserving houses and preserving farm our website, www.boggycreekfarm.com. is not a single closet in the house. We soil are so important. The “greenest” use wardrobes for our clothes, but there house is a historic house; rich bottom How is the home constructed and what is nowhere to hide junk, so we try to not land soil is a treasure. We have to keep are some of the challenges of living in a have too much. There is no closet for a both entities in good condition, so that 172-year-old farmhouse? vacuum cleaner, so I use a broom, floor the house can continue to serve its The exterior is either cypress or Bastrop mop and damp mop to clean the floors – fundamental purpose, shelter, and the pine. It’s hard to tell which, as the grains adapting to the old ways. land can continue to feed people. The are similar. Originally, most of the fact that the two come together on interior walls (front two rooms, entry, What surprises have you come this farm is just amazing to us. We feel one bedroom) were made of wood lath across while working on the house or blessed that our two passions are here and plaster. These walls and ceilings cultivating the land? on Boggy Creek Farm. were relieved of their cracking plaster, H Taking the sheetrock off of walls revealed probably in the 1930s, and received the original tongue-and-groove wall
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 11 SAVING THE GOOD STUFF
by Tere O’Connell, PA Board President O ur survey of favorite historic music Austin landmark designation has been vision for Austin before we start writing venues has reminded us once again challenged many times since the the code: figure out what development that we have much to be thankful inception of the program. Who decides works and what doesn’t, and write the for in Austin. From the neon-lit, low- community value? Is there a magic code accordingly. Zoning policies such ceilinged grit of the Broken Spoke to number or spectrum of community as Raleigh’s historic district “lite” and the vintage paintings and red velvet representation who must show up Dallas’ use of neighborhood stabilization of the Continental Club, these are the for every hearing to demonstrate this overlays were presented as alternative places where memories are made. We’ve value? Is there a clear definition of ways to preserve community character also lost venues that had very high quantitative value that our historic without as many regulations. These and community value, like the Armadillo and landmark and planning commissions other methods will be worthy of scrutiny Liberty Lunch. As historian John H. Slate can apply with certainty? As the City of for Austin, especially as we may support said in his recently published book Lost Austin begins the process of writing a integration of existing building fabric Austin, “By demolishing Austin’s historic new land development code, this issue with new construction as a sustainable structures and obscuring its geography, is something we need to continue to approach to development under certain the character of Austin’s cultural ponder, refine, and clarify, to be fair, conditions. heritage is lost.” Aside from the Spoke responsible, and respectful when judging and Continental Club, some of these how each property affects the larger It is difficult to plan a comprehensive treasured places may not meet landmark whole of Austin character. and integrated vision for historic designation criteria, but they are part preservation without solid, accurate, and of the soul of Austin worth celebrating In late February a surprisingly large current baseline information. Some of and experiencing as we continue to grow turnout of people came to see the pre-1936 Austin was surveyed in 1984, and mature. We’re left to ask: how do “Four Cities. Four Land Development and some areas of East Austin were we identify, value, protect and save “the Codes.” presentation at the historic surveyed in 1980, 2000 and 2006. The good stuff”? State Theater, sponsored by Imagine Austin Historical Survey Wiki created by Austin. As I listened to the presentation the UT Historic Preservation Program is Local businesses across town also with several other Preservation Austin wonderful, but is not currently funded for provide an essential component of our members, it struck me that this is a implementation city-wide. An updated community character. For example, the crystalline moment in Austin history. and comprehensive historic resources Corner Cafe on Lamar, formerly G&M The speakers agreed that it will take survey is sorely needed in order for Steakhouse and recently featured on us five years to rewrite the Austin land us to clarify and refine the definition the Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and development code, and that it may of what is important to preserve and Dives, is a tiny place that sits on a prime be expected to last for 40-50 years protect, and what sites are appropriate piece of real estate. It is packed with – or two generations. Experts from for new development. This has been people every day; we all love it. Local Raleigh, Madison, Denver and Dallas identified as a goal in both the Imagine business owners put their heart and shared their process of community Austin plan and the Downtown Austin soul into their businesses, including the engagement, definition of priorities, and Plan. In addition, the Imagine Austin preservation of the unique buildings that approaches to various issues like form- plan prioritizes the need for an updated are part of their identity. As we Save the based codes, elimination of overlays, Historic Preservation Plan - our current Good Stuff,local businesses are some of simplification of language, protection of plan dates back to 1981. the first places that come to mind. inner-city neighborhoods, and historic The mission of Preservation Austin is The definition and interpretation of preservation. One of the speakers to promote Austin’s diverse cultural “Community Value” as a criteria for stressed the importance of defining a Continued on page 13
12 SPRING 2013 Course Offered on Buying and Selling Historic Properties
he Commodore Perry Estate Presenters for the course T will be the setting on April 16, are the following: 2013, when Preservation Austin u Lin Team, PA Board and the Austin Board of REALTORS® Vice-president and old Commodore Perry Estate bring back their successful training house real estate specialist course, “Buying and Selling Historic u Steve Sadowsky, City Historic Properties.” The purpose of the course Preservation Officer is to enable REALTORS® to enhance u Kim McKnight, PARD Historic BUYING AND SELLING their effectiveness in serving clients HISTORIC PROPERTIES Resources Coordinator, Board Mid Tex who consider buying or selling old Mod, PA Board Member houses. This course is also open Date: Tuesday April 16, 2013 u Michael Oden, Economist, UT School to homeowners who hope to better Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. understand their old house. of Architecture Place: Chapel at the Commodore u Tere O’Connell, restoration architect Perry Estate, 41st and Red River The course covers the history of and PA Board President Cost: $90 for ABOR and PA Austin’s residential architecture, the u Emily Little, FAIA, restoration members; $100 for others processes and practices of historic architect and PA Board member preservation, special techniques Registration: On-line at u Alyson McGee, Deputy City Historic for marketing and selling historic www.ABOR.com in the Preservation Officer properties, design considerations for “education” section u John Volz, consulting architect, remodeling historic houses, and the Questions: Angela Reed, PA and will lead the tour of the Perry economic effects of preservation. With Program Manager, Mansion restoration improved understanding of these topics, [email protected], REALTORS® also will be able to more 512-474-5198 x7724 Although the day-long event is designed responsibly represent their profession Rita Barrouse, ABOR education as a continuing education course for in ongoing community dialogues coordinator, [email protected], Realtors® who will receive 8 hours of about historic preservation issues. The 512-454-7636 ext. 1602 MCE credit, the public is also welcome to curriculum for the course has been attend. More information is available at revised and updated to cover recent www.preservationaustin.org. H changes in preservation policy.
Saving the Good Stuff, continued from page 12
heritage through the preservation of historic places. There new way to recognize and celebrate our local businesses, and are many ways that we do this, and we continue to look for an opportunity to advocate for funding an updated historic more. Stay tuned for more on the historic music venues app, a resource survey. H
13 PRESERVATION AUSTIN Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms An update about all the goings-on at Austin’s premier living history park.
stages that will be announced with SUNRISE SERVICE & EASTER EGG HUNT FUN a drum roll in coming weeks. As the only children-oriented music festival
aster weekend will bring a variety in Austin, the event annually draws Eof old-fashioned events at Pioneer thousands of people for a day of family Farms. At daybreak on Sunday, March fun. Admission to the festival also gets 31, HolyWord Lutheran Church will hold you into Pioneer Farms for the day. a Sunrise Easter Service in our Sprinkle Corner town square, just like the ones $50,000 GOAL to OPEN that Texans used to celebrate in the WESSELS HALL late 1800s along Walnut Creek in this area. Admission to the service is free. estoration work on historic Help set a hula-hoop world record! That afternoon, the city’s largest Easter R Wessels Hall on our Town Square Egg Hunt will take place, with starting is progressing enough that a late-spring GUINNESS-BOOK RECORD times staggered for younger children. HULA HOOP WORKOUT EYED opening date is now hoped for. Crafts, historical activities for families AT MUSIC FEST Donations are being collected for the and horse rides will also be offered. remaining $50,000 needed to open the Bunnies (real and stuffed-toy variety) ark your calendars: The Austin hall. Donations of any size are most will be available for petting and (the M Family Music Festival is coming appreciated. When restored, the hall latter) for purchase. Regular admission on Saturday, April will house exhibits highlighting Texas’ will be charged. For more details, see 20, a bigger and musical history and will serve as a PioneerFarms.org. better springtime one-of-a-kind performance space. The festival for hall, generously donated by the family of the two brothers who built it, was children of all TEXAS RIFLES RETURN APRIL 6 moved to Pioneer Farms last fall from ages. This year, FOR A ‘FEUD’ REENACTMENT near West Point. All donations are we’re negotiating to partner with tax deductible. Contact farminfo@ he Texas Rifles, a renowned 1800s an Austin breast-cancer charity, The pioneerfarms.org. Tre-enactment group, will present Smile Never Fades, to set a Guinness a special program on Saturday, April 6, World Records for the most number where they will recreate a family feud of people working out simultaneously straight out of Texas history — with hula hoops. The record of 290 was as civilians. Instead of being bedecked achieved by Allen Elementary School in in military gear, they will portray Hutchison, Kan., on May 21, 2012. Texans after the Civil War in a number Hula hoops will be available for of historical demonstrations and purchase, or you can bring your own. reenactments during the day. Shooting, Instruction and lessons will go on impeccable costumes and educational before the record-setting event is held history fun will fill the day. For up-to- during the afternoon. Starting at 10 date details, see PioneerFarms.org. a.m., the festival will feature a full Progress underway restoring historic Wessels Hall
slate of great musical acts on three Continued on page 15
14 SPRING 2013 H Our New & Renewing Members
Catherine Robb Inherit Austin H Many Thanks Eddie Safady Tenaya Hills Al & Jean Sander John Hindman Contributor H Elaine Robbins Eric & Michele Starkloff Rachel Moyle Margaret Bennett Judith Shipway Renee & Eugene Sutton Carolyn O’Connor Rebecca Borchers Mary Helen Walcutt James & Jennifer Templeton Jenny Pizano Barbara Bridges Fritz Weigl Colleen & Brad Theriot Mary Kathryn Robillard Michael Bullard Lisa & Lynn Thompson Blake Shanley Randy Dalton Family H Katherine Lieberknecht Blake Smith Carolyn Gallagher Christie & Roger Binkley & Robert Young Michele Webre Elizabeth Hall Rick & Cindy Black Dudley Houghton Rachel Lomas & Andy Bowman Partner H Friend H Cindy Hunter Joan & Clark Burnham Elana Einhorn & Will Andrews Robert Bass & Cynthia Brown Jane Karotkin Natasha Campbell-Cross Elaine & Britt Benton Thomas Barbour & Paula Hern Julie Kelleher William Gammon Carolyn & William Bingham Carlos & Nancy Puentes Teddy Kinney Alegria Arce & Charles Hibbetts Gene & Ruthie Burrus Amy Lambert Phyllis & Rusty Horn Cheryl & Nick Covelli Advocate H Beverley Larkam John & Carey Kerrigan Marina Henderson Alyson McGee & Mark Wolfe Brian Linder Meghan Kleon JoAnn Jentz Fran & George Ramsey Mary McRee Linda & Peter MacNeilage Carolyn & Joe Osborn H Eugenia Miller Darlene & David Marwitz Margot & Grant Thomas Jan Moody Catherine & John Moore Andy Sieverman & Gail Weatherby Wynnell Noelke Nan & Gary Overbeck Emily Reed Carol & Andrew Reifsnyder
Pioneer Farms, continued from page 14 SAVE THE DATE
LIVES OF EARLY CENTRAL TEXAS RESIDENTS TO BE SHOWCASED Ancient Oaks Plantation Tour IN RARE ARTIFACT DISPLAY Saturday, May 11 • 1:30 - 4:00 pm 329 Hills Prairie Road he exhibit is based on a collection Bastrop, Texas Tof early Texas items ranging from $25 individual / $40 couple pots and working stones to spearheads and flintheads. All are centuries-old Mark your calendar to visit this magnificent example of a 1856-57 Indian camp site. “The story of the Texas Greek Revival plantation home, which has undergone a early peoples in this area is amazing beautiful period restoration. and enchanting — and that what’s this exhibit will bring to life,” said Steve Ashley, a collector-researcher who donated the items and has helped assemble the exhibit. H
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 15 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 2100
P.O. Box 2113 Austin, TX 78768
www.preservationaustin.org [email protected]
H PA CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2013
MAR Historic Landscapes of Texas lecture, Austin MAY Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 28 Women’s Club, 710 San Antonio, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 20 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 $15 per person. for more information
APR Heritage Homes Tour “Historic Homes & Gardens”, JUN House Cocktails at the Granger House, 805 W. 16th St. 6 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $23 Members/$28 Non-Members 13 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tickets $35. Save the Date.
APR Buying and Selling Historic Properties, 8:30 a.m. – 16 5:30 p.m., Commodore Perry Estate, 41st and Red River, JUN Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 24 $90 for ABOR and PA members; $100 for others, 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 Register on-line at www.ABOR.com. for more information
APR Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 22 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 H Tickets to Events available at: for more information www.preservationaustin.org or 474-5198.
MAY Ancient Oaks Plantation Tour 11 1:30-4:00 p.m., 329 Hills Prairie Rd., Bastrop. $25 individual/$40 couple. Save the Date.