Author: lewisotr

One Hell Of A Guy, If I do say so myself.
Crazy Times, My Friends, The Early Days, The Jollyville YearsLeave a comment

Beer Company Sponsorships

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Back in the 50s and on into to 60s the various beer companies would hire bands to promote their product. A local Austin band, Jesse James and All The Boys was one that Pearl Beer sponsored. Pearl also had another band, Adolph Hofner and the Pearl Wranglers that was more widely recognized than the James band. I used to hear radio promotions for Adolph Hofner, mostly playing in San Antonio, on up into the 70s. I mention Jesse (William Howard “Jesse”) James because he used to come to our house “On The Creek” just out of Jollyville. He was a … Continue reading Beer Company Sponsorships

Amazing Things, In and Around Austin, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

2J’s

lewisotr

The talk in Austin always seems to make its way to 2J’s. Ok, I did a little digging and found out where the name 2J’s came from. Here goes: There was a Methodist Minister that came to Austin, became an Executive Assistant to Texas Governor James V Allred back in the 30s. His name was Patrick Moreland. He later got in the restaurant business, opening 2J’s.He had 2 very good friends, Jim Collins & Jim Hasslocker, so he named it after them,the first initial of each ones given name. Couple of other facts. Jim Hasslocker was the owner and namesake … Continue reading 2J’s

In and Around AustinLeave a comment

LIST OF OLD AUSTIN STREET NAMES

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Listing of Austin, Texas historic streets named for trees. These streets run East-West. They are now mostly numbered streets.As depicted on Austin Street Map 1872 P. De Cordova Willow (still named)1st — Water (Ceasar Chavez)2nd — Live Oak3rd –Cypress4th — Cedar5th — Pine6th — Pecan7th — Bois de Arc8th — Hickory9th — Ash10th — Mulberry11th — Mosquite [sic]12th — College Ave.13th — Peach14th — Walnut15th — North Ave.16th — Cherry17th — Linden18th — Chestnut19th — Magnolia Ave. (MLK) According to the Austin History Center, the names of the downtown numbered streets were changed from their original tree names in 1897 … Continue reading LIST OF OLD AUSTIN STREET NAMES

Amazing Things, In and Around Austin, Texas HistoryLeave a comment

The Continental Club – Austin, Texas

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Few Other Places Have Been Host To As Many Different Genres Of Music As This Iconic Club. Continental Club By: Christy Lynn Hodson CONTINENTAL CLUB.Located at 1315 South Congress Avenue in Austin, the Continental Club is a popular live music venue that opened in 1957. The original owner, Morin Scott, founded the establishment as an upscale private supper club which featured nationally touring bands, including Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and the Mascots. Hailed as the first venue in Travis County to sell liquor by the drink, the club originally encouraged patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages while enjoying the live … Continue reading The Continental Club – Austin, Texas

Amazing Things, In and Around Austin, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Big Gil – An Austin Legend

lewisotr

I can’t say I really knew him, but would see him at Jim’s Coffee Shop on Ben White at I-35 often. He was truly an imposing fellow. He seemed like such a genteel gentleman.Depending on the source, he was either born in 1918 or 1919 and he was either 6’8″ or 6’10” tall. I know his hands were huge and he had a very long reach. I’m not sure what his boxing record was. He appeared to be a man of means and always dress immaculately. He would drive up in his Cadillac sedan. As he would start to get … Continue reading Big Gil – An Austin Legend

In and Around Austin, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Goodnight Motel – Established in 1941.

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South Congress Ave. (old US 81)Austin, Texas It is now known as Classic Inn. It has the same general look as the old Goodnight Motel. This sounds like a cozy name for a motel. When you think of a motel, you think about getting a good-night of sleep. The owners name was Goodnight. Charles Goodnight. (He is pictured in the 5th frame) Throughout the years there are often mentions of Charles Goodnight and the motel and eatery next door, Hill’s Cafe, being a part of the Cattle Driver Charlie Goodnight’s Family. That all makes sense, as in the wording in … Continue reading The Goodnight Motel – Established in 1941.

Kenny Lewis, Smithwick, The Early Days, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Old Lumber Company Ranch Gates

lewisotr

Remember back when most ranch gates were made like the one in this picture. They all became roadside advertisements for the lumber company they came from. They were call “Can’t Sag Gates“. Maybe they should have been called “The Warp Like A Son Of Gun Gate“. Ronnie Lewis and Kenny Lewis in about 1955 Continue reading Old Lumber Company Ranch Gates

Marble Falls and the Area Around it., The Early DaysLeave a comment

Gulf vs. Sinclair

lewisotr

Virg Baugh operated the Gulf Station at 4th and US 281 (most likely it was still designated Texas 66 in those days) The owners sign above the door is somewhat obscured, but I think it says Johnnie Crooks. If anyone knows differently, please holler. Photo reads 1954  It seems that Mr. Baugh’s son in law, Chet Sayers came to town and started operating the Sinclair Station that was across the street and almost a block to the north. I don’t know who actually owned it at that time. I have heard that the arraignment caused some consternation in the … Continue reading Gulf vs. Sinclair

Amazing Things, Thoughts and Musings1 Comment

The Gifts That Mean The Most

lewisotr

I am a little sentimental about gifts that my grandkids give me, even more so of things my sons made or bought for me when they were small. One gift that dates back over 40 years, that I count as one of my most treasured possessions. It stayed out on my dresser for years, but somewhere along the way it got put in my sock drawer and remains there to this day. Most people would look at this prized possession and wonder why I have it in my sock drawer. The answer is simple. It was a gift this one … Continue reading The Gifts That Mean The Most