Category: In and Around Austin

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

LoVaca Gathering Company and Oscar Wyatt

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Seems like in the mid 1970s, no name was mentioned more often on the Austin News than Oscar Wyatt and LoVaca Gathering. Below is an excerpt from a much longer article about Austin’s Energy woes.(The full link at the bottom) Natural Gas Shortages – Ironically, one of the most instrumental people to inspire Austin’s renowned energy-efficiency programs was a colorful and somewhat ruthless oil and gas magnate named Oscar Wyatt.  Though he had a noble side to him – a rags-to-riches tycoon, who at various times in his life acted as a selfless patriot – during the 1970s, he became one of … Continue reading LoVaca Gathering Company and Oscar Wyatt

In and Around Austin, Uncategorized1 Comment

Charlie’s Hamburgers

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There was a place on the western side of Houston near I-10 and Highway 6. Almost 50 years ago I started going there, when I was working nearby. It was an old house, that was converted into an antique store that served up burgers. You would actually sit at antique tables and chairs with other antiques surrounding you. My oh my, those were the best burgers I ever ate. I would seldom go to Houston, without going there. I often planned my trips to Houston around a stop by Charlie’s Hamburgers. I would often think, why don’t they franchise this … Continue reading Charlie’s Hamburgers

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

Herbert Bolm

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Herbert Bolm, like Bolm Rd in East Austin, down near the river. His family had owned a diary farm down in those bottom lands. I have a story about meeting Uncle Herbert Bolm, for the first time, at least in my memory. He was married to my grandfather Theron’s sister Ruby. See there was some family strife that happened back in the 1950s that caused there to be “2 sides” of the family for several years. But it all got resolved and we have been one big happy family ever since. Now for that meeting:Uncle Herbert had spent most of … Continue reading Herbert Bolm

Amazing Things, In and Around Austin, The Early Days, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Twin Oaks & Odas Jung

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Below is a summary of Twin Oaks and its developer, Odas Jung. From their Website: Twin Oaks Associates, Ltd. is a privately held family business located in Austin, TX. Founded in 1953 by Odas Jung.  The company has prospered into an impressive industrial and commercial leasing firm still expanding to this day. Since Odas personally oversaw the building of the majority of his property, the company is familiar with every aspect of their business. In 1960 the son of Odas, Joe Jung, entered the business alongside his father. After gaining experience while working for the company during high school and … Continue reading Twin Oaks & Odas Jung

In and Around Austin, The Construction Biz, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Sidewalk & Curb Markings in Austin

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While it was often done by the company pouring concrete in Austin, Maufrais Bros. was the ones most often seen. Maufrais Bros. Ready Mix Plant was located at 1st Street on the East side of North Lamar. http://www.texasescapes.com/AustinTexas/Austin-Sidewalks-Maufrais.htm Below are other examples of curb markings you’ll see around Austin. A couple of others that were around after I got to town in the business in 1971 that still stamped their work was Terry Edwards Construction & Mueller Bros. Continue reading The Sidewalk & Curb Markings in Austin

In and Around Austin, The Early Days, The History of Texas, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Austin In The Early 1950s

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This is a 55 minute film clip showing how Austin was in the 1950s and highlighting many of the businesses and places of interest. While 55 minutes may be a long time to sit and watch the whole thing, I’ve found several of the portions that were of most interest to me personally. I will list them below with the approximate time each starts on the film. Twin Oaks Shopping Center – 7:00 min Bergstrom Air Force Base – 18:40 min Bar-K Guest Ranch @ Lago Vista 20:00 min Barton Springs Pool – 24:00 min The Building of the Industrial … Continue reading Austin In The Early 1950s