History - 2/4 - The Austinot

Is The Driskill Hotel Really Haunted?

January 29, 2016 by Andrew Chase 2 Comments

The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 (Credit: John Cabuena)

When you first walk into The Driskill Hotel, you wouldn’t think it’s haunted. From the dozens of columns brilliantly lining the lobby, to the spotless marble floors, the hotel is gorgeous. The ambience screams luxury and comfort. But if you listen closely, it also screams bloody murder.

Look, this place was built in 1886. That’s plenty of time for some messed up stuff to go down within the walls of The Driskill. For example, did you hear the one about the young girl who fell to her death down the grand staircase? How about the two “suicide brides” who killed themselves in the same bathtub in the same room, 20 years apart to the day?

Who knows if these ghost stories [Read more…]

Guide to Barton Springs Pool, Soul of Austin

September 8, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 3 Comments

Looking toward the Austin skyline from Barton Springs Pool

Austinites have socialized, fished, waded and swum in the clear blue waters of Barton Springs since the 1800s. The water’s temperature stays at a steady 68-70 degrees while the setting around it changes drastically throughout the year.

I wanted to compile a short guide on what makes Barton Springs Pool quintessentially Austin. In order to scratch the surface of this historical gem, I met with Wayne Simmons, Aquatic Program Manager for the City of Austin, and Clark Hancock, Exhibit Coordinator at the Nature & Science Center. [Read more…]

Then vs. Now: Austin’s Changing Landscape and Our Role

September 3, 2015 by Jessica Pino 3 Comments

The city of Austin is making news daily. It has appeared in more Top 10 lists than I can reference. But with all these accolades come the naysayers. So today, I want to try something different. I’m not going to rant, rave or try to discourage people from moving here (or convince them to move here, for that matter). Instead, I hope to encourage all of you to support and love the city in which you live. Support small business, your neighbors, strangers and local art. Actively participate in the city you call home–don’t just use it. [Read more…]

Target Austin: How To Survive a Nuclear Attack

February 19, 2015 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

The year is 1960 and Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy is on the campaign trail with a charismatic senator from Texas, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The threat of nuclear war is ever present with families around the country building fall out shelters. The small city of Austin, Texas with a population of 186,545 takes the looming threat seriously as well. If a nuclear bomb were to fall on Austin, would residents be prepared? [Read more…]

Paramount Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Special Events

February 3, 2015 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Old Congress Avenue in 1947 with the Paramount Theatre illuminated on the right

Guest article by Lindsey Moringy

A walk through the basement of the Paramount Theatre is like a walk through time: its history is literally written on the walls. Over the years, many of the estimated 10,000 visiting artists have left their mark on the famed theatre by signing the walls downstairs, just outside the dressing rooms. Passing through the hallway you’ll notice that performers from BB King to Joan Rivers have left their ‘John Hancocks’ – many with a personalized message or illustration. Admittedly, I laughed aloud upon reading what Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman chose to leave: “Freedom. [Read more…]

Homegrown: Austin Music Posters 1967 to 1982

January 27, 2015 by J. Alan Nelson 1 Comment

Ramones Music Poster for Armadillo World Headquarters

Micael Priest’s music poster for The Ramones’ show at Armadillo World Headquarters, 1977

Sometimes you see them flitting by in the wind on a city street like a brightly colored bird. Sometimes you see them posted on telephone poles. You see others on walls inside clubs.

I’m talking about music posters. While they are silent in sound, their designs portend grand audio and visual experiences to come, as bands perform at a certain time and place.

For poster collectors, the memories these powerful scraps of paper evoke can be potent. Colored lights, sounds, lyrics, emotions, jockeying for the best position to see the stage, that special night at a club that doesn’t exist anymore…except in your mind.

Preserving Austin Music Posters of the Past

Most posters were ripped off walls after the show or destroyed by weather and time. [Read more…]

14 Facts Before Your Visit: Austin’s French Legation Museum

December 12, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 7 Comments

Entrance to the French Legation Museum grounds (Credit: French Legation Museum and Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

The oldest wooden frame home in Austin sits alone on a hill with an unobstructed view of the State Capitol.

It dates back to the Republic of Texas, when France seized an opportunity to grab a piece of the new country and its wealth.

But the French sent the wrong man for the job. [Read more…]

Bonjour, Austin! Exploring and Celebrating Austin’s French Culture

November 14, 2014 by Guest Blogger 3 Comments

Delicious French cuisine can be found in Austin, like the Steak Bearnaise at Chez Nous (Credit: Chez Nous)

Guest article by Kristella Montiegel.

Within the hip and diverse city of Austin, you’ll find an alluring presence of French culture and community. Fittingly so, since French colonization of Texas dates back to the the 1600’s. Traces of French influence – especially in historical locations, food and art – can be found throughout the Austin area.

While it might be a stretch to attribute the creative and experimental culture of Austin to the avant-gardism of modernist Paris, the fact remains that an impressive French community has been sustained through Austin’s growth and diversification. So, whether you’re a native of France or someone who’s simply curious about their customs, Austin has plenty of opportunities for you to get your daily dose of French lifestyle. [Read more…]

Top 14 Famous Statues in Austin

November 13, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 8 Comments

Statues become mental landmarks of people, animals, fantastic beings from creative minds…and legends.

Observing a statue can be a zen like or aesthetic experience. Or for those who love to do statue art, it’s a convivial fun fest of reactions and poses for statue photos.

Here are 14 famous statues in Austin you should include on your next public statue pilgrimage:

#1 Lady Hare With Dog

Lady Hare with Dog

Sophie Ryder’s mythical creatures stand throughout the world. Lady Hare With Dog is near the Zach Theatre and it’s a classic Ryder work. The figure of the hare holding the dog is funny, poignant and compelling. [Read more…]

7 Things You Must See at the LBJ Library

September 29, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson Leave a Comment

The LBJ Presidential Library

You eavesdrop on a phone conversation. You realize the voices are President Lyndon Baines Johnson and former First Lady and now widow Jackie Kennedy on the line. It’s an emotional discussion. Even though the phone call happened more than 50 years ago, you feel like a kid sneaking on the extension. Your ear’s glued to the earpiece, listening to these two have a personal and almost awkward discussion about Jackie’s access to the President. You hear Jackie confess she’s received more letters from LBJ in the last 10 days than she ever received from John F. Kennedy.

You put the receiver down, a bit drained and surprised at the closeness of the phone call, as though you’d listened to a friend talking on their smartphone set to speaker.

Two presidents from Texas have built libraries in Texas in the last two decades. But you need to see LBJ’s library. [Read more…]