FORMERLY HERITAGE SOCIETY OF AUSTIN SAVING THE GOOD STUFF
Summer 2013 H Volume 17 No. 3
H Generous Funding Supports Our Initiatives
President’s Message H Tere O’Connell, AIA
ust when finances looked to be challenging, J Preservation Austin was awarded three generous grants from private foundations that will help us carry forward with our mission to promote Austin’s diverse cultural heritage through the preservation of historic places. We are so thankful to Board Members Mandy Dealey and Melanie Martinez and staff members Angela Reed and Jacqui Schraad, and Mike Ward and the volunteers at Pioneer Farms for their work to write and shepherd these successful grant applications through the process.
In late May, we learned that we received a $20,000 grant Tere O’Connell presents a $5,000 grant check to Michele Webre in support from the Butler Family Foundation, with thanks to board of the Travis Heights/Fairview Park Local Historic District nomination. member Melanie Martinez. The majority of the grant will fund our efforts to promote the formation of local to lead teams of volunteers to populate the Historic Wiki historic districts (LHDs) and the landmarks program, Survey with data, and to develop three more downloadable and $5,000 will go to the nascent Travis Heights / historic tours, including Historic Music Venues, The Tejano Fairview Park Local Historic District application effort Trail, and the African American Cultural Heritage District. to give them the boost they need to get them closer to Please contact Angela Reed at [email protected] completing the project. if you would like to volunteer with the Historic Wiki effort.
The Fath Family Foundation was very generous to The second grant received from the Fath Foundation Preservation Austin, with two grants championed by is a very generous $50,000 that will provide the funds former president and current board member Mandy needed to complete the restoration of Wessels Dance Dealey. A grant of $25,000 was awarded to Preservation Hall at Pioneer Farms. This is a tremendously exciting Austin to support our LHD efforts, our ongoing efforts Continued on page 3 SAVE THE DATE Photo Courtesy Red River Restorations
Windows Restoration 2012-2013 Board of Directors
Workshop H OFFICERS H Tere O’Connell, President Lin Team, 2nd VP Tom Stacy, President-Elect Paula Aaronson, Secretary John Hindman and his August Harris, 1st VP Jim DeCosmo, Treasurer fellow craftsmen from John Rosato, Immediate Past President Red River Restorations will teach the essentials H DIRECTORS H of repairing wooden Paula Aaronson Brianna Landry Kim McKnight sash windows in this Lisa Byrd Tim League Andrea McWilliams Restored Kyle Train Depot window. hands-on workshop. Danette Chimenti Emily Little Maureen Metteauer Held at the beautifully restored Commodore Perry Estate, Mandy Dealey Jennifer Marsh Marion Sanchez participants will learn to glaze, paint, weather strip and John Donisi Melanie Martinez Tammy Shaklee unstick painted-shut windows. You will also learn how to Jerry Harris Peter Flagg Maxson Nikhil Sinha Shelly Hemingson John Mayfield Eric Smith safely remove lead paint. Courtney Hoffman Nancy Nichols Edward Tasch Saundra Kirk Kristy Ozmun Stephen Webb Saturday, July 27, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm H VOTING REPRESENTATIVES H The Chapel at Commodore Perry Estate Michael Holleran, UT School of Architecture 4100 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78751 Stacie Rychlik, Inherit Austin $75 per person John Rosato (as above), Landmark Commission Mike Ward, Pioneer Farms Comfortable work clothes are suggested. Refreshments will be provided. H H WATERLOO SOCIETY H Paula & Lee Aaronson Patsy Wood Martin & Jack Martin Get the earliest notice Ann Griffith Ash Peter Flagg Maxson & Melanie & Ben Barnes John C. R. Taylor III of event ticket sales BlueCross BlueShield of Texas McBee Family Foundation and updates. Booth Heritage Foundation (Suzanne Jill & Dennis McDaniel Like us at https:// Deal Booth & David G. Booth) Emily Moreland Sabrina & Jay Brown Rosemary Morrow www.facebook.com/ Ann Butler Carole & George Nalle PreservationAustin Danette Chimenti Cheryl & John Sauder Tim Cuppett & Marco Rini Tammy Shaklee & Clif Mitchell Mandy Dealey Sue & C. Aubrey Smith, Jr. Cissie & Dillon Ferguson Eric & Cynthia Smith H STAFF Regan & Billy Gammon Lin Team & Lewis Donelson Beth & Tom Granger Bratten Thomason Jacqui Schraad, Executive Director Becky & Bob Buslett/Green Pastures Candace & John Volz Angela Reed, Preservation Program Manager Frost Bank David Wilson Debbie & Mark Hanna Patricia Winston & Bill Head Mailing Address - P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 Dealey Herndon Eva & Marvin Womack Physical Address - 500 Chicon, Austin, 78702 Courtney & Clark Hoffman Ph. (512) 474-5198 Fax (512) 476-8687 Mrs. Janie Holloway & [email protected] www.preservationaustin.org Mr. John Weisinger
2 SUMMER 2013 H Call for Nominations Preservation Merit Awards
P reservation Austin annually presents awards to honor individuals and organizations for their visionary approach to preservation and commitment to maintaining Austin’s unique architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage. By creating more recognition for outstanding preservation projects and people engaged in preservation, we hope to inspire others to carry on the important work of safeguarding Austin’s heritage. Projects must be located within the City of Austin and completed on or after January 1, 2011 and prior to the date applications are due.
Nomination Guidelines and Form found at www.preservationaustin.org/programs/preservation-awards/
Nominations must be received on Monday, July 29th, 2013 by 3:00 p.m. Packages may be mailed to Preservation Austin, ATTN: PA Awards, P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768; hand delivered to our office at 500 Chicon Street in Austin; or sent by e-mail to [email protected]. Contact Angela Reed at [email protected] or 474-5198 with questions. H
Generous Funding continued from page 1 effort that will finally come to fruition Wheel or Dale Watson playing there weddings and special events, and will within the next three months. This now. provide income to help Pioneer Farms work will include exterior painting continue to grow and prosper. You and construction of the restrooms, The finishing touch to the Pioneer can contact farminfo@pioneerfarms. catering kitchen and related utilities. Farms event center will be the org if you know of funding sources or The dance hall was originally located addition of a congregational would like to help. All donations are tax near the community of West Point, church that can be used for historic deductible. north of La Grange, and sat vacant for programming, weddings and special at least 40 years. The one-story wood events. Historically, churches were These are exciting times. I’m going to frame building dates to the early 20th the first public buildings constructed go shine my boots for that dance floor. century, and was built by two brothers in many early Texas settlements, in a design common for dance halls signifying the importance of faith Best Regards, in the late 1800s. It has a clear span in the community. We have our floor and fold-down outside windows. eye on a special property to be Tere O’Connell It fits in perfectly at the south side of sited to the east side of Sprinkle President H the Pioneer Farms town square. Barring Corner square. We are in need of any unforeseen circumstances (heaven $200,000 to complete this aspect forbid), it will be available to rent in of work. Once completed, the event the fall. I can almost hear Asleep at the center will be a perfect setting for
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 3 Inside the Austin Woman’s Club
By Gayle Hight
T he Austin Woman’s Club. It’s that big, white castle on the hill, catty- corner from a restaurant called Ranch 616. Have you ever wondered what’s The North-Evans Chateau inside? In the early days, there was a lush Woman’s Club has been active in Located at 710 San Antonio Street, sunken garden – where the parking the Austin community. In its early the Austin Woman’s Club is in the lot now stands. And underneath it all, years the Club was an advocate for Bremond Block of the National an offshoot of Shoal Creek known as preservation, protesting cutting down Register Historic District. In “Little Shoal Creek” ran through the trees on the courthouse lawn and preservation and historical circles, it’s property. In 1917, the City diverted the paying to mark the city streets in the known as the North–Evans Chateau. creek with an underground concrete neighborhood. They also urged the Most recently, its d.b.a. is Chateau tunnel. City Council to leave the “moon glow
Bellevue, a popular event venue, towers.” During WWII, volunteers came Deep Austin Roots especially for weddings. (www. to the Club to roll bandages for injured chateaubellevueaustin.org) The grammatically correct name is troops. In the 1940s and 1950s, the
Austin Woman’s Club (www.austinwc. third floor became boarding rooms for My first tour of the Austin Woman’s org), but that’s not what the founders female students from The University Club was in 1987, when I joined the of the Club named it in 1928. In 1929, of Texas. Junior Austin Woman’s Club. (You the Club bought the mansion for “graduate” to the senior club at age Only Three Other Former Owners $36,000 from Frances Hurlbut, former 55.) The mansion has an impressive wife of Maj. Ira Evans. (Read more The North-Evans Chateau is one of Romanesque Revival limestone about Maj. Evans below.) Austin’s few surviving large-scale masonry exterior, but it’s the interior Victorian residences. Originally from that really wowed me. You will probably recognize names France, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey North built
of some of the Austin Woman’s Club the original section of the mansion You’ll find room after room of hand founders: Mrs. Miriam Ferguson (first in 1874. The original architect is carved curly-pine woodwork, ornate woman governor of Texas), Mrs. Percy unknown. Inspired by their travel in marble and tile fireplaces, pressed tin Pennybacker (think banjo bridge), Europe, the Norths called their French- ceilings and stained glass windows – Mrs. Zachary T. Scott (think theater), chateau style home Bellevue Place. including a Star of Texas stained glass and Miss Lila Casis (think elementary skylight! (Who knew they had skylights school). An album with original In 1884, Augusta and William Gaines in the late 1800s?) The mansion is portraits of the 164 founding members (editor and owner of the Austin furnished with beautiful antiques, is displayed in an upstairs parlor and Democrat, what was to become the including a Tiffany-style lamp and is a wonderful tribute to them. Austin American-Statesman) bought gorgeous antique oriental rugs on it from the North estate. The Gaines intricate parquet flooring. Over the past 85 years, the Austin Continued on page 5
4 SUMMER 2013 Austin Woman’s Club continued from page 4 to the college in its early years. as a laboratory for University of Texas During the Civil War, Maj. Evans led a at Austin architectural students who returned the property to Mrs. North battalion of U.S. Colored Troops and spent almost a year and thousands of several years later after their marriage was awarded the Congressional Medal hours measuring every inch and angle ended in separation. of Honor. of the building. Their project drawings
In 1892, Maj. Ira Evans and his wife won first place in the Peterson Prize, Maj. Evans was also president of the purchased Bellevue Place. Evans soon a national competition among other Austin Electric Railway Company and hired noted architect Alfred Giles for universities. The drawings are now a co-founder of the Austin National major renovations to the mansion. permanently held in the Library of Bank, today part of Bank of America. Originally from England, Giles lived Congress. An original Austin National Bank vault in San Antonio and primarily worked with an elaborately decorated door still The Austin Woman’s Club stays in in South Texas and Mexico. He is stands at the end of the formal dining touch with descendants of Maj. Evans perhaps best known for his numerous room in the mansion. It still works! who live in San Antonio. The family courthouses in South Texas and was recently loaned the Club several influenced by the Romanesque Revival In addition to being the Evans’ pieces of furniture, including a desk style. Giles added large stone porches residence, Bellevue Place was a used by President McKinley in his and additional floors and crenellations popular meeting place for civic and re-election campaign. to the mansion, dramatically altering social organizations. Numerous its appearance. organizations were founded there, The Austin Woman’s Club is dedicated
including the Texas State Historical to preserving the mansion for future Originally from Vermont, Maj. Evans Commission. generations and faces increasing and moved to South Texas in 1867 and expensive maintenance issues, such started a cattle ranch near Corpus The Austin Woman’s Club Today as deteriorating masonry, electrical Christi, which later failed. In 1869, Today the Austin Woman’s Club is still systems and roof leaks. he was elected to the Texas House a popular meeting place for more than of Representatives and in 1870, at over 45 civic and social organizations. If you would like to help with this age 25, he was elected Speaker of The Thankful Hubbard Chapter of the preservation effort, and/or if you the House, the youngest person Daughters of the American Revolution would like to arrange a group tour, to hold that position. Evans was has met at the Club since 1929, and please call the Austin Woman’s Club removed from office when Democrats recently underwrote the restoration at 512-472-1336. You are in for a returned to power at the end of Texas of beautiful beveled and stained glass special treat! For more information, Reconstruction in 1871. throughout the mansion. please visit our website at H Maj. Evans moved to Austin in www.austinwc.org. In addition to an event and meeting 1880 and became one of the venue, the mansion recently served most prominent philanthropists and business leaders, including president of the New York and Texas Land Company and director of the Consolidated International and Great Northern Railway Company. Evans Hall, the main administration building on the campus of Huston- Tillotson College (a historically black college), was named in honor of Maj. Evans. He served on the Board of Trustees and gave financial support Exterior measured drawing by University of Texas at Austin architectural students
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 5 PA’s Preservation Committee is Hard at Work for Preservation Advocacy
By Caroline Wright, Preservation Committee Co-chair
T he Preservation Committee is changes in the project’s design to PA continues to be involved in one of PA’s multiple working preserve historic materials in that the Imagine Austin Plan and its committees. The committee meets space. implementation. Representatives twice-monthly to discuss preservation from the committee attend public projects brought to our attention by the The Committee wrote multiple meetings and meet with priority plan public, architects, developers or planners letters, approved by the Executive teams to request that preservation be needing assistance, or by PA members Committee, supporting various included in the Plan. and staff. The committee provides legislative actions. We supported The City Parks Department advocacy, makes recommendations for the Texas Historical Commission in presented their concept for a design PA policy positions regarding preservation their funding requests with letters competition for the Seaholm Intake issues and projects, and forms to the House Appropriations, Senate Buildings. The Committee expressed partnerships with other neighborhood Finance and to the Culture Recreation support for the reuse of these or preservation groups working on and Tourism committees. We also unique resources and ensured that preservation issues. Members of the supported the City of Austin in one judge in the competition be committee are restoration architects, maintaining their lease of historic a Commissioner from the Historic historians, realtors, developers, Brush, Republic, and Wooldridge Landmark Commission so that planners, experienced neighborhood Squares. preservation would be prioritized as a advocates, and other professionals with The City of Austin’s Parks Department component of the design. expertise in various aspects of historic and the consultants creating preservation. We work to promote and the Republic Square Master Plan Architects and representatives from ensure the preservation of local historic presented their proposal at each Hotel Zaza met with the Committee resources. Our process is to discuss and stage of development, illustrating to discuss their plans for the reuse of sometimes debate items that come to inclusion of the park’s historic the National Biscuit Co. Warehouse on our attention, then vote on a position context as advised by the Committee. 4th and Guadalupe Street, otherwise statement for that issue that is then The Committee will continue to stay known as the Gingerman Building, as submitted to PA’s Board or Executive involved as the project progresses they discussed their plans to integrate Committee for final approval before a and looks forward to seeing exciting the façade of the existing structure position letter is sent to the appropriate new features for public use in into that of the new building. H party. this historic space.
The following are just a few of the projects the Preservation Committee has worked on this year.
The architect planning upcoming renovations for the Scarbrough and Littlefield buildings presented his proposed designs to the committee. The committee expressed concerns for the plans for the lobby of the Scarbrough building, which led to National Biscuit Co. Warehouse at 4th & Gudadalupe
6 SUMMER 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:
Butler Window Zilker Botanical Gardens Winner: Emily Miller
This arch is from the home of Michael Butler, built in 1887 at the northwest corner of 11th and Guadalupe. Butler, an Irish immigrant and pioneer Austin brick maker, started manufacturing bricks in 1873. Thomas Harding of Little Rock was the architect. The walls were three bricks thick and one of the rooms were rectangular or square. Butler supplied bricks for the Capitol and in return received a portion of the shipment of granite used in the building. The granite was used for the window sills and frames and the decorative arches. The house was sold in 1964 after the death of Mr. Butler. After being used for a while as an antique store, the house was demolished in November 1971 and this arch donated to the city to be preserved in Zilker Gardens. Substantial acreage along the Colorado River, named Butler Park, was deeded to the city, at Mr. Butler’s request, by his heirs for park, recreational and civic purposes. This valuable asset to Austin reflects the love and gratitude of a pioneer immigrant and his family for their community.
Texas Capitol Fence Winner: Megan Blinov
William Munro Johnson, hired in 1888 to plan the Capitol’s landscaping, designed ornate iron fencing with a granite foundation to demarcate the perimeter of the grounds. The wrought and cast iron fencing, manufactured by Mast, Foos & Company of Ohio, uniquely features Texas’ Lone Star motif. Incorporating iron gates at the five carriage and six pedestrian entrances, the fence also functioned to keep wandering livestock off Capitol Square. In 1907, the vehicular entrances were widened, and the gates removed and dispersed to several Austin locations. In 1996, the fence was completely reconditioned, with new pedestrian entrances added to improve access. Also it was painted in the original black and gold colors, although metallic paint was used instead of gold leaf. Several of the original gates were restored and returned to the grounds; the remainder were reproduced from the originals.
Robert S. Stanley House 200 West Mary Street Winner: Caroline Wright
Stanley was a Travis County native (1863-1941), an African American stonemason and laborer who, with help from his brothers, built this stone house in 1895 or 1892 for his wife Francis and their children. He later built a stone building on Mary Street in 1927 (now the Herb Bar) for his second wife Jennie, as a general store. The Stanley family was one of the first African American families to operate their own business in south Austin. The front-gabled vernacular house exhibits Stanley’s craftsmanship in its rusticated load-bearing and veneer limestone construction, two-foot thick stone half-basement (one of the few basements in south Austin), and long leaf pine framing and floors. The house remained in the family for more than 100 years. Stanley is buried at Austin’s Evergreen Cemetery. The house is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark. H National Biscuit Co. Warehouse at 4th & Gudadalupe
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 7 Sharing History with the Future: PA Member Shares Expertise with Elementary Students
by Maureen Metteauer
A century ago, Judges Hill neighborhood served as the home to some of Austin’s most prominent families. Now thanks to the research of Phoebe Allen, local Austin historian and Preservation Austin member, students at Pease elementary school had the chance to learn about the homes and ghost houses of Judges Hill through an in-class presentation and walking tour. They also enjoyed a picnic lunch in the backyard of the Austin landmark Granger House, home of Jeff Harper and Mark Seeger.
As part of a pilot project, Allen presented her research on the lost homes of Judges Hill neighborhood and their owners; families that helped settle Texas, and later, Austin. The presentation and walking tour covered the history of several homes and families including: the Elijah Sterling Clack Robertson home (1703 San Gabriel, demolished 1950s), the George Glasscock home (West Avenue, demolished 1920s), Pease Elementary students visit the Byrne-Reed House as part of their Judge’s Hill tour. the Nathaniel Townsend home (18th afforded historical context for early totally got my mind. It was the best & West Avenue, demolished 1968), the Thomas Coke Thomson home (1508 Rio Texas Settlements including Robertson’s presentation ever. Grande, demolished 1960s), the Edward colony (encompassing present-day — You’re awesome at explaining Mandell home (16th and West Avenue, Williamson County and counties to the hystorical nonfiction. Everything you demolished 1967), the Daniel Caswell, north) as well as Austin’s colony (now said filled my head with nolige and Jr. home (15th and West Avenue, Austin and Travis County). power. Every kid you will talk to will demolished 1960s), and the Byrne- be stunned on the past because they The children later wrote thank you notes Reed home (1410 Rio Grande, recently will be amazed at the people and the to Ms. Allen. Here are some of their restored). houses. Also, I remember the three comments about the tour (spelling not columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The presentation exposed students corrected): to concepts such as surveying and — The way you described things — My favorite thing about the tour Continued on page 9
8 SUMMER 2013 SAVE THE DATE H Get Involved! H Goodwin Co. Pine Floors Seminar PA is currently recruiting members
September 11, 2013 for our Education and Preservation 12:00-1:15 p.m. Committees
Austin Center for Architecture Education Committee: Develops and presents programs and 801 W. 12th Street events to educate the PA membership and general public on 2 learning credits for HSW, AIA and preservation issues, including developing the downloadable IDCEC offered. tours, lectures, workshops, trainings, and Holiday Candlelight Free for PA Members/$20 non-members Tour. Contact Angela Reed at [email protected] or 615-7724 to sign up. Representatives from Goodwin Pine, the company that restored hardwood floors for the Preservation Committee: Provides advocacy, makes Governor’s Mansion, will give a presentation recommendations for PA policy positions regarding about how to use hardwood floors, what to preservation issues and projects, and forms partnerships look for in hardwood and softwood quality, with other neighborhood or preservation groups working “hardwood science,” and a short history of on preservation issues. Members of the committee are hardwood floors and logging in America. restoration architects, historians, realtors, developers, Goodwin Pine will talk about the benefits planners, experienced neighborhood advocates, and other of using reclaimed wood and their method professionals with expertise in various aspects of historic of salvaging original old-growth hardwood preservation. Qualified PA members are invited to submit logs from river bottoms, lost during logging a resume or summary of experience for consideration to H transport in the nineteenth century. [email protected]. H
Sharing History continued from page 8
was going to look inside that Reed Here’s how: happy. I know that it’s hard to do that house. My other favorite thing Dorick: flat on top but you were fine. was eating lunch in that person’s Ionic: scrolls on top This dynamic program was made back yard. My third favorite thing Corinthian: leaves on top possible by the volunteer efforts of was learning what those columns — I was amazed on how you were so Phoebe Allen, Pease Principal Donna were called – the Doric, Ionic and detailed and exciting. The things that Martinez and 4th Grade teachers Maia Corinthian. you taught us, I will remember and I Chambers and Carrie Cherek. They hope — I will remember this for the rest of will give my parents a tour. to determine topic areas that can be my life! — You did exactly fine by not getting adapted into a video to supplement — I remember how we’re going to be mad at us when some kids were for Texas History and other k-12 social able to tell which one is which. messing around. You were polite and studies classes. H
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 9 H Preservation Champions By Liz Carmack
1930s and earlier. They made houses and John Hindman: their parts (even if neglected) to last 100 years or more. There was no way I was Red River Restorations going to replace my windows, doors or siding. With the windows, I had to figure and Fine Woodworking out either how to restore them or make them – or a combination. And I wanted them to work well and be reasonably oodworker John Hindman sowed Austin, will be held on July 27th. Look for W efficient, which all led to woodworking. the seeds for his business, Red River it on Preservation Austin’s event page of Restorations and Fine Woodworking 10 their website, www.preservationaustin. A lot of my skills and knowledge have years ago. He walked around his Hyde org/events. come from connecting with people, Park neighborhood stuffing handmade sharing ideas and things learned, fliers into residents’ mailboxes When did you first get involved in watching YouTube or just figuring it out. advertising that he could fix or make woodworking, and how were you drawn And fortunately some very, very talented wooden screens for their historic homes. to this field? people have come to work with me who A neighbor hired him that day, and his Out of college I tried different careers. I have tremendous woodworking and projects grew from there. worked with troubled kids for five years engineering skills. in child protective services and juvenile Hindman founded Red River justice in Iowa, Maryland and Texas. Then What do you enjoy most about your work? Restorations and Fine Woodworking I worked in technology for eight years. (www.redriverrestorations.com) in 2003. I love history and I love working with Neither career was the right fit. I enjoyed The company’s headquarters, a 1935 people who are passionate. These old and learned a lot from those experiences bungalow and garage apartment on Red houses and buildings have a lot of history – business, sales, management and River Street that is a restoration work- and stories, and almost every day I get to people skills – life skills. But I was always in-progress, also serves as home for him hear them – the energy and excitement working on things on the side – making and his son, Jack. is contagious. Plus, I love working with rocking chairs, restoring houses, framing my hands and figuring things out and houses, pouring foundations, figuring He and his crew of four have not only knowing that what I am working on will out how to make things or figuring out helped restore many historic windows in last and preserve something to pass on how they used to be made by craftsmen. private homes and commercial buildings to the next generation. I was really passionate about my side around Austin, they’ve tackled several projects and would happily spend all my high-profile projects including the Comal One of my favorite recent projects was in spare time on them. My day job got to be County Courthouse in New Braunfels, Wimberley – the “Zach House” also called unbearable. I knew what I wanted to do, Kyle’s historic train depot, Pemberton the “Wimberley-Hughes House.” It was so I quit my job and never looked back. Castle, Laguna Gloria and the French built in 1870, I believe, by Zach Wimberley I had restored two 1930s buildings – a Legation Museum. for his new wife. They were living with bungalow and garage apartment – and his parents and she demanded he build Hindman said he loves teaching in the process had to figure out how her a house (as he had promised) or workshops about the restoration of to handle certain common problems: she was leaving – and he did. He built wooden windows. Some of you may what to do about the original doors, old her a small, one-room house. We were have attended his last workshop for wood windows, wood screens, layers of privileged to restore all of the original Preservation Austin this past February. lead paint and many other issues. I love windows and make them functional. It’s His next one, also hosted by Preservation quality and that’s what they did in the Continued on page 11
10 SUMMER 2013 Preservation Champions continued from page 10 wonderful to know the story and history behind the project if possible. It gives richness to the work.
What are you and your crew working on now?
We don’t take every job that comes our way, just the ones that seem to be the right fit for what we do. This summer, among multiple residential jobs, we’re doing some work at Camp Mabry on the old Works Progress Administration buildings’ windows built in the 1930s-‘40s. Red River Restorations crew: M. Woollven, John Hindman, Jacob Barnes, Cullen Inmon and Chase Bekarian Three years ago you bought your great- grandfather’s farm house in Hornick, modern ones? with a very high quality wood that is rare Iowa, and you’ve been spending some today. of your free time there restoring it. Why What the windows usually need is maintenance and service (ropes or sash take on such a long-distance project? Why are historic preservation and cord, paint, weather stripping, interior My great-grandfather moved there with restoration important to you? storm windows, hardware – love!) and his wife in 1880, bought 160 acres to You can make wood windows and doors they will work well, and just sparkle in farm, built a one-room house, had 11 kids just like they did 100 years ago. It takes the sunlight. The most important thing and helped settle the area. He was also time, but there’s a good feeling, a pride, you can do is keep them painted and justice of the peace, served on the school in making something you know will last a clean. If you have an old home with board, was in the Masons, etc. In 1912-13 long time and quality is at the heart of it. wood windows, but aren’t ready to tackle he built the farm house with his sons and What I see in most of society and business restoration, at a minimum stabilize them his extended family. today is profit, not pride, not quality. Those so that when you are ready to work on seem to be secondary in many cases. And I think his life and accomplishments them in two years or 35 years you will I believe people miss those qualities that are an amazing story worth passing on, have something to work with. If there is were so fundamental 100 years ago. and the house is part of that story. It’s a rot in some of the sills or in part of the sash, that can be treated so it doesn’t tangible part of my personal history and I think it’s important not to romanticize get any worse. American history, an heirloom. It deserves the past. They had challenges and to be saved and restored to its original problems we can’t even imagine today. We I’ve heard people say if you rip out the state. When you really consider what now have advanced medicine, technology old windows and put in new ones, the the pioneers did and accomplished, it is and wealth. But there are important house loses part of its soul. The windows an awesome story. I want my children to cultural and character traits that we are are usually a major feature on any know this story and to teach them what losing or have lost as our society evolves. hard-working, determined people are building and if you put in vinyl, or metal Maybe in some way, old buildings with capable of. modern windows with double-pane glass all their character and history allow us to and metal solar screens the building connect with the past and those aspects What can homeowners do to help completely changes in its appearance we value while also providing some preserve and extend the life of inside and out. The original windows grounding in the world of massive change their wooden windows, and why usually have beautiful old wavy glass and we now live in. H shouldn’t they just replace them with the sashes, frames and trim are made
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 11 Wooldridge Square Looking Forward to a Bright, Green Future O ver the past year, Wooldridge a welcome respite from Square, a downtown park that busy downtown under dates back to Edwin Waller’s original the shady, cool grove 1839 plan for the city of Austin, has of pecans, and oaks.
undergone a beautiful transformation. Fundraising is still After a period of rest and some improvements, Please join us on Saturday, September continuing for the restoration of the 1910 Wooldridge Square is looking wonderful. 14, 2013 on Re-Opening Day for this Page Brothers designed bandstand and historic square. the Friends of Wooldridge Square are gathering donations through the Austin and welcoming Re-Opening day-long Preservation Austin recently worked Parks Foundation. In just a few short celebration on Saturday, September 14th, with local and statewide preservation, months, the public will be welcomed followed by a fall season of programs to parks and downtown advocates in back into the verdant green landscape put Wooldridge back in the hearts and successful support of legislation that and celebrate a bright future for a souls of the greater Austin Community. would renew the land grants of the treasured green space and, hopefully, a Check for updates at www.facebook. three remaining downtown squares, restored bandstand. com/wooldridgesquarepark or if Wooldridge, Brush and Republic, for you’re interested in the fundraising the next 99 years. The Friends of Wooldridge Square or programming efforts of the Friends Closed for the past year for an also recognize that a robust schedule of Wooldridge Square, please contact overhaul including new irrigation, a of diverse programming is critical Michael McGill at [email protected]. new lawn, new tree plantings and to the renewed life of the park and H more, the Park will once again become have an ‘Action Team’ planning a fun
W e’ve partnered with Red Chair proceeds to go to Market to give you a new way to Preservation Austin. support Preservation Austin. So look around your house to see if there Red Chair Market is Austin’s newest is a treasure that may need to find may be easier if you know you’re also way to buy and sell new, used, vintage a new, loving home. Parting with it supporting your favorite cause. and antique furniture. Now, when you list an item for sale on the Market, Visit www.redchairmarket.com/info/donations you can designate a portion of the for all the details. H
12 SUMMER 2013 H Inherit Austin By Stacie Rychlik
L ooking over both our recent spring and upcoming fall events, I’m excited about the mix of venues available to us to enjoy historic Austin together. We have the opportunity to celebrate well-known landmarks that are dear to Austinite’s hearts, congratulate local business owners who decide restoration is vital to their new venture, and still discover off the beaten path historic treasures. Moore’s Crossing Bridge H The annual Easter Egg Hunt at And, here’s what we’re looking or Eileen Gill (eileenpgill@gmail. Laguna Gloria is a beautiful Austin forward to: com) for more information. tradition. This year on Saturday, H March 23 so many joyful children It wouldn’t be summer in Austin We look forward to seeing you at these created memories on the grounds without a trip to the Paramount for fun fall events! of the historic Driscoll villa on Lake the Summer Film Series. We’ll be Austin. Many thanks to this year’s planning a movie and corresponding event chairs Liz Lawrence and cocktail event in July. We’ll keep INHERIT AUSTIN aims to Ashley Washmon for continuing the you posted, and you can always get cultivate a new generation of PA current updates by joining us on tradition. members by hosting social, cultural Facebook. and educational events that appeal H On May 17th, board members H The Somewhere in Time annual fall to young singles and married couples Killy Scheer and Michelle Slattery fundraiser venue has been released! and families. planned a very fun happy hour at This year, we will dine al fresco on We are committed to the same vision Cenote, a new coffee shop on East the original Congress Avenue Bridge. and mission as Preservation Austin-- Cesar Chavez. Cenote received The iron bridge, built in 1884, was preserving Austin’s architectural and a Merit Award for Adaptive Use moved to storage in 1910 when a cultural past by not only protecting in 2011. We had the pleasure of new bridge was needed at Congress the city’s important landmarks and meeting co-owner Mary Jenkins historical fabric, but safeguarding its Avenue and then rebuilt over and hearing her story about unique character as well. Onion Creek at Moore’s Crossing in starting Cenote - the benefit that southeast Austin in 1922. Annual membership dues in Inherit restoring a building has on the Austin include all the benefits of PA community, especially when past Join us on September 29, 2013, from membership, plus additional Inherit owners and tenants still live in the 6-9 p.m. Sponsorships with benefits Austin member-only events. Recently, neighborhood, and the challenges available at the following levels: membership fees for IA members have of maintaining the historic fabric $2,500, $1,000, 500, $250. been lowered to appeal to a wider of the building while upgrading to $100 tickets go on sale in August. audience. current codes. New Inherit Austin membership dues Please contact co-chairs Caroline rates are Individual $65 /Couple $90 Wright ([email protected])
13 PRESERVATION AUSTIN Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms An update about all the goings-on at Austin’s premier living history park.
archaeologist Steve Ashley. The INDEPENDENCE DAY FEST WILL permanent exhibit is the latest new show SHOWCASE PIES, MELONS, MORE. at Pioneer Farms to showcase a little- known aspect of Central Texas history. ur star-spangled Independence ODay program this year will an array of family fun — pie-eating and OUR SUMMER HISTORY watermelon seed-spitting contests, PROGRAMS OFFER A WIDE carnival games, a choir, Dutch VARIETY OF FUN. Oven cooking, a colorful display of e have lots to offer your independence flags, live music and Summer Camp and Scout much more. The red-white-and-blue W groups this summer. Our popular festival will take place from 10-5 on Independence Day Celebration “Life on the Prairie” programs will be Saturday, July 6. Regular admission offered on Fridays for individuals and will be charged. In addition to the life. The project is being completed groups. Saturday and Sunday classes other activities, there will be red-white- in consultation with the Tonkawa for Cub Scouts, by reservation, for and-blue historical reenactments, Tribe in Oklahoma. The site lies in a seven different belt loops and pins: horse rides and food — plus historical topographical passage across Walnut Heritages, Wildlife Conservation, reenactments, artisans and other Old Creek, an historic spot where the Geography, Weather, Geology, Texas activities at our five historic northern branch of Camino Real once Collecting, Map & Compass and sites. The day will be Austin’s version passed, where the Chisholm Trail Cultures. We also offer the Texas of a midsummer festival, a popular came through the area in the late Badge. We have classes for Brownies activity in the late 1800s. 1860s and several roads crossed the creek between 1875 and 1915. and Girl Scouts, including “Girls of Grit,” a special program for moms 1841 TONKAWA ENCAMPMENT and daughters. And we offer five Boy OUR EXCLUSIVE ‘TICKANWA-TIC’ TO GET NEW DISPLAYS Scout Merit Badge classes, and Eagle TONKAWA INDIAN DISPLAY Scout projects. Campouts? We have ur 1841 Tonkawa Encampment, DEBUTS FOR VISITORS sites for groups small and large. See Othe oldest historic area at ur exclusive new exhibit on the PioneerFarms.org for details. H Pioneer Farms, will be expanded and Tonkawa Indians is debuting to upgraded with new structures and O the public, after a year’s planning and exhibits during the summer. The construction. site along Walnut Creek dates to the 1600s and before, as a real Tonkawa The must-see show in the Tate House Indian campground where tribal gallery, in our Sprinkle entrance members camped seasonally as village, features a wide variety of First they moved through this area. Steve Texans artifacts — from handmade Ashley, lead interpreter at the site, pots and stones once used to grind said the upgrade will include work corn to spear and arrowheads, even Photo credit: Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma Tribe Tonkawa credit: Photo huts, a brush arbor and improved tipi a rare “biface” stone that was once exhibits and decorations so visitors used to prepare hides. The items are can see a period re-creation of camp from the collection of amateur Austin Tonkawa Indian
14 SUMMER 2013 H Our New & Renewing Members
Many Thanks Anne Estes Meghan Slover Gina Faist Mike & Amy Smith Contributor H Keith Lamy Adrienne Flack Shane & Catherine Stiles Phoebe Allen Melinda & Larry McGinnis Colin & Martita Fleming Robert & Michelle Strauss Paul Balmuth Cori Modisett Kate Ford Wendy Sutherland Margarine Beaman Nancy & Stewart Munroe Lauren Fornes Danielle & Kevin Sweeney Thomas Butler Susanna Murray Thomas Goodrum Anne & Edward Tasch James Christianson Sally & John Nyfeler Kelly Hamilton Tom Hurt & Kathie Tovo John Davol Catherine O’Connor Nancy Harper Laura Townsend Penny Gonzales Dr. & Mrs. Chuck Oswalt Andy & Courtney Heard Caroline & John Trube Jan Graham Carlos O’Docharty & David Ramert Kate Higdon Laura Van Slyke Ron Greening Rosemary Ratliff Kenny & Liz Howard Chandler Ware Gordon Huth Kimberly Renner Teresa Jones Ashley & Thomas Washmon Carolyn McFarland Richard & Alison Ryan David & Molly Jones Matt Welch Ida Miller Larry Butler & Carol Ann Sayle Patton Jones Brian Williams Joyce Pfluger Eugenia & Eugene Schoch Jr. Mason & Stacy Jones Nicole Williams Carol Pirie Jeff Harper & Mark Seeger Lauren Kelleher Caroline Wright Kathleen Reiff John & Jeani Smith III Natalie Kinsel Anthony & Summer Yen Linda Rivera Rosemary Stewart Paul Knaus Kathy Rogers Eddie Thomas Joslen Koester Partner H Relia Scheib Mendi & Dale West David Lawrence Erma Brauer Larry Stewart Margaret Menicucci & Michael Whellan Melissa & Eric Levine Susan Driver Jackie Stone Paul & Patricia Youngdale Lily Lloyd Cindy & Chris Eckart Jay Tassin Sheldon & Justin Long April Garner Martha Vertrees Inherit Austin H Matt & Martha Mangum Mary Love Henderson Nicolai Von Kreisler Elizabeth Adams Bonnie Markel Penelope Hyslop Michael & Ann Wheeler Todd & Christina Adams Melody & Shain McCaig Emily Kirkland Jenny Aghamalian Shannon McCarroll Claire McAdams Family H Darcy Anders John & Hallie McDonald Kirsten & Charles Moody Peter & Patricia Andersen Jim & Meredith Bagan MaryAlice McKaughan Charles Peveto Rita & Martin Broad Amy & Jimmy Barnard Becca McMullen Charles Phillips Liz & Jeff Carmack Amy Bassetti Mark & Maryann McQuiller Karen & Alex Pope Nina & Boyd Covey Stuart & Samantha Bernstein Chad Meley John Schlesinger Barbara & Carl Daywood Scott & Sarah Berry Deena Nelms Mercedes & Harry Whittington Michele DeCorby Jane & Bert Bloor Jack & Heather Nelson Kay & Charles Finnell Elizabeth Bose Brian & Phyllis Patek Friend H Oliver Hall Cameron & Corey Breed Jahnna & Robert Peeler Jeff & Toni Albrecht Stacey Harrell Jackson & Stacy Carter Shao-Ping A Chang Kim Collins Julia & Sherman Hart Heather & Robert Chesney John & Lesley Pitts David Depwe Maryellen & Bill Heggen Craig & Kate Chick Misty & Bill Reid Lauren Shallcross Carol & Kent Hemingson Lesley & Charles Childress Linea Renspie Nicole & Tyson Tuttle Lindsay & Kevin Hunter Toni Craig Jennifer & Chuck Rice H Allison Jackson Michael & Jordan Cronin Anitra & Joel Richardson Advocate Bailey Elliott Construction Inc. Lola & Coleman Jennings Amy & Doug Dashiell Lee Rigby Connie & Mark Johns Susanne & Colby Denison Vickie Roan Sara Koeninger Billie & Dwain Kelley John & Shannon Dorsey Stuart & Kelly Sampley Julie & Patrick Oles, Jr. Betty & Robert Knight Lindsey Draper Nicole Sarkar Benefactor H Kevin Koch Craig & Kris Durr Shelley Schmoker Green Mango Real Estate Christopher Tucker & Jan Kosmal Leslie Easterling Richard & Emily Slaughter
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
JUL Historic Landmark Commission Meeting SEP Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 22 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 23 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 for more information. for more information.
JUL Windows Restoration Workshop SEP Inherit Austin’s Somewhere in Time Dinner at 27 4100 Red River, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Commodore 29 Moore’s Crossing Bridge Perry Estate, $75 per person. 6:00-9:00 p.m., Richard Moya Park., $100 per person, Save the Date.
AUG Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 26 7:00 p.m., Austin City Hall. Please call 512.974.3530 for more information.
SEP Goodwin Co. Pine Floor Seminar 11 Center for Architecture, 801 W. 12th St., 12:00 a.m. to H Tickets to Events available at: 1:00 p.m., 2 CEUs, PA members free / $20 non-members. www.preservationaustin.org or 512-474-5198.