Category: Construction

Construction, Crazy Times, The Early DaysLeave a comment

It Was A Sign Of The Times

lewisotr

Back in 1976 we headed off to Houston to build a project out off of Highway 6 between I-10 and 290. A new housing development. We installed the utilities (water, wastewater and storm sewers) while a company from Houston built the streets and did the grading for the project. This company was new to that type of work, as their primary business had been building and maintaining railroads. It may have been their first venture into subdivisions. They were really a bunch of nice guys that were easy to get along with. Something I can’t say for all companies we … Continue reading It Was A Sign Of The Times

Construction, Crazy Times, The Early DaysLeave a comment

Watch Out What You Say, You Never Know When It Will Come Back And Bite You In The Rear End

lewisotr

One time we laid a 48″ waterline up through a neighborhood in Northwest Austin, a real high dollar part of town called Cat Mountain. Our line started at RM 2222 and continued to the top of the mountain on Mt. Bonnell Blvd and various other streets to reach its terminus. Mt. Bonnell – Cat Mountain Project It was really a picture perfect project that kept us busy for most of a year. When we reach the termination point on that job, another contractor, a competitor, was picking up where we left off. This competitor was a friendly one. We had … Continue reading Watch Out What You Say, You Never Know When It Will Come Back And Bite You In The Rear End

Construction, The History of TexasLeave a comment

Sidewalk and Curb Markings

lewisotr

Once upon a time, wherever you went around Austin, the concrete curbs and sidewalks had a stamp of the company that did the work. Maufrais Bros was the ones most often seen. While Maufrais Bros did the work, they also operated their own ready mix plant, which for many years could be seen east of Lamar, on the north side of West First St. (Cesar Chavez) This article delves into the story of the Markings. http://www.texasescapes.com/AustinTexas/Austin-Sidewalks-Maufrais.htm These are a few of the names you’d see: In the older sections of the city, these stamps can still be seen, but are … Continue reading Sidewalk and Curb Markings

Another Daily Happening, Construction, Crazy Times, On The Job, The Early DaysLeave a comment

A Slight Miscalculation

lewisotr

We were working in Lakeway laying a wastewater off a really steep hill. This was back in the late 1970’s. I ordered gravel that came all the way from Georgetown. I would place an order for 200 tons, about 10 truckloads, but 2 trucks would show up. The next day the same scenario played out. We were really needing some gravel, if we were ever going to finish that job. I decided I would get that truckers attention so I ordered 1000 tons. I figured that way I may get my 200 tons that I needed. I was a Friday. … Continue reading A Slight Miscalculation

Construction, Crazy Times, The Early DaysLeave a comment

The Goat Shed Up On Possum Kingdom Lake

lewisotr

There was a time between our first two sons being born and we had a project laying a 24″ water line up in Stephens County. Housing was hard to find so while driving around the area, I found The Possum Kingdom Fishing Camp. This was a place that was very active in the summers but pretty well shut down during the winter. I found the owner and made a deal to rent the whole place. There was a little 2 bedroom house in the center of the property with one bedroom cabins surrounding it. This was in December of 1975. … Continue reading The Goat Shed Up On Possum Kingdom Lake

ConstructionLeave a comment

Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver part 3 (why he was sent packing and how he quickly returned)

Michael Lewis

This explains some more details that Ronnie discussed in his earlier story Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver. Glenn had put a few years into the company when I’d finally had enough. Eddie our contract mechanic along with another contract mechanic were working on a Cat 973 track loader that had some unusual issues. This was a newer model machine that shouldn’t have had issues with bearings wearing out. The two mechanics had quickly decided that Glenn wasn’t greasing the machine properly so we called Glenn on the company radio and requested him stop by our location. Now Glenn was the … Continue reading Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver part 3 (why he was sent packing and how he quickly returned)

Construction, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver 2 (how and why he was hired)

Michael Lewis

After reading the story “Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver” written by my father earlier I felt the need to elaborate a little. At the time I was watching over the equipment and trucking fleet for Lewis Contractors. We were struggling to find a good Oiler to drive our fuel truck. Working as an Oiler is interesting to say the least. Everything you touch is laced in grease, mud, diesel and red hot to the touch.  It’s back breaking work crawling up and down the equipment and into tight spaces and the job consist of doing this dozens of times each day. I’ve … Continue reading Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver 2 (how and why he was hired)

Construction2 Comments

Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver

lewisotr

Glenn worked for the company far longer than most would have liked. I thought he did a good job, at least from my perspective. My perspective was what really mattered. I wanted someone that would show up to work, keep fuel in machines, keep the oil changed and the machines greased. He did those things as well as anyone who ever worked for me. I seldom saw him, much less talked to him. Glenn had 2 major flaws. He talked too much and he lied about everything. Figuring there are trade offs with everything, I didn’t see the talking was … Continue reading Glenn The Fuel Truck Driver