Austin Home and Garden Spring Show - March 1-3, 2013

Want to fix up the home and/or yard? Get some ideas at this years second Home and Garden Show. After attending and some ideas, you will be able to turn your home and garden dreams into a reality! With thousands of square feet of exhibits you'll find the latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays/materials, kitchenware, and so much more. Oh and did we say plants? Finding the right plants to have in your yard can make such a great improvement to how the yard and thus your home looks.

When:
Friday March 1 2:00 - 7:00
Saturday March 2 10:00 - 7:00
Sunday March 3 11:00 - 5:00


Admission:
Adults 17+ $8.50
16 and under Free
Retired Military ID $6.00
Active Military ID Free
Senior 65+ $6.00

Website:
http://www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com/

Handicapped Accessibility:
The Austin Convention Center is accessible to persons of all mobility and includes elevators to access upper floors.

Parking:
0 – 15 Minutes $0.00
15 minutes – 1 hour $3.00
1 – 2 hours $5.00
2 – 7 hours $7.00
7 – 10 hours $9.00
10 – 24 hours $11.00
Weekend Rate $8.00
Lost Ticket $30.00

Convention Center Parking is available for $7.00 a day: 1,000 spaces are available at the garage located 2 blocks west of the Center, at 201 East 2nd Street. Entrances are on Brazos and San Jacinto streets. An additional 600 parking spaces are available at the parking garage at Red River and 5th Street

Location:
Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

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Giant Chicken Statue

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Description:
The artist Faith Schexnayder, said that this statue is made out of Styrofoam and fiberglass. Made in 1998 or 1999, it was a prototype for a kids interactive piece (that kids could climb on and slide down the tail). More then that Schexnayder said that it also represents a protective mother hen (she had just started having kids when she designed it) which you don't want to mess with.
Previously the chicken was painted the same color as the house, but after years of saying she was to do it, she repainted it in the current colors in December 2012. "It was my Christmas gift to myself," she quipped. 

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Admission:
Free

Handicapped Accessibility:
This is in the artists private yard, which has no sidewalk in front of it and uses steps to get into the yard. As such it is not very accessible.

Phone:
512-448-2256

Website:
Flat Fork Studio

Location:
709 West Gibson Street, Austin, TX
Just off of south 1st street, near Barton Springs road.

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Food and Wine Festival April 26-28, 2013

Food & Wine Magazine brings you the second annual Food and Wine Festival. Because of the nature of the event The Austin Food and Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Absolutely no one under 21 is permitted, including infants and small children in child carriers. This policy pertains to all events including demonstrations, seminars and Grand Tastings. A valid ID is needed to enter the Festival. Event organizers say that if they cannot verify your age, you will not be allowed entry through the Festival gates and that tickets will not be refunded.

Description:
According to the festivals website, you can

Pamper your palate in one of the hippest cities in the country at the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival, presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine. Join top chef talent, sommeliers and winemakers from across the nation and Austin's own acclaimed gourmet scene for an indulgent, two-day epicurean adventure unlike any other, topped off with live musical performances.

Throughout the weekend, you'll experience up-close and personal access to culinary, wine and spirit talent at dozens of cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars. Between sessions, drop by the Taste or Savor Lounges for complimentary beer, wine and cocktails. Then sip and nibble your way through The Grand Tasting Pavilion showcasing over 80 wine, spirit and artisanal food exhibitors, along with celebrated local and regional restaurants. Plus, pick-up copies of inspiring cookbooks and get them signed by your favorite chefs in the Autograph Tent.

From tacos and tequila to grilling and grapes, spoil yourself with the sights, sounds and laid-back flavor only the Live Music Capital of the World can offer.

When:
April 26-28, 2013

Handicapped Accessibility:
The paved areas of the park area are pretty accessible to persons of all mobility, however some individuals with mobility issues may have trouble on the gravel paths and grassy areas that this event may also be set up in or along.

Admission:
passes begin at $150 and go on up to $850

Website:
www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com

Location:
Auditorium Shores
 and
Republic Square Park

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Southgate-Lewis House

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Local bookbinder and printer John Southgate had this house built for his family in 1888. The High Victorian structure features a bay window, second-floor bands of shingles, and distinctive window surrounds. Businessman Charles Lewis (1872-1922) purchased the home in 1913. A neighborhood ice cream shop and a one-room school operated by his daughter were also on the property during his ownership. The home remained in the Lewis family until 1979.


Erected:
1988

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is in a grassy area in the front yard of what is now a museum. It is visible from outside the fence to persons of all mobility, but it may be hard to read without being able to get in front of it.

Location:
1501 E 12th

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University Interscolastic League Marker

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
In 1910, the president of the University of Texas at Austin instructed the extension department to organize an academic league for secondary schools to promote educational outreach in the state. At the December 1910 Texas State Teachers Association meeting in Abilene, interested teachers assembled and organized the Debating League of Texas High Schools. The first state meet was held in Austin on May 5-6, 1911, drawing 60 delegates from 10 schools. The same weekend, the University of Texas hosted a state track meet through the Interscholastic Athletic Association, with 90 athletes representing 11 high schools and four academies. Both organizations grew quickly, voting to merge at the annual meeting of both groups on May 3, 1913, through the creation of the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The league focused on fair competition, establishing student eligibility rules and competition levels by enrollment. The UIL provided a framework for scholastic and extracurricular events from county meets up to state contests. By 1917, the UIL was the largest interscholastic league in the nation and a model for other states. Through the years, the organization has transformed, with the implementation of fine arts contests and by promoting competition as an integral part of the total educational experience. The UIL continued to add academic, music and athletic events over the years, while responding to changing social issues such as integration, amateur status and gender equity. The UIL also created the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation, which has provided millions of dollars in college scholarships since 1954. From its origins in the parallel growth of academic and athletic competitions among Texas schools, the UIL has become a significant partner in the education of Texas schoolchildren.

Erected:
2009

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to be viewed by those with limited mobility.

Location:
1701 Manor Road, Austin TX 78722

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Kerbey Lane

I have not written any reviews before today of restaurants. Since I was at Kerbey Lane for a meeting (Social Media Breakfast) and it was my first time at this restaurant, that I have heard so much about. I thought why not and write something about them. Kerbey (not to be confused with Kirby Vacuums) has five (5) locations around Austin. We were at the location at Anderson Mill and 183 in northwest Austin. The wife and I really enjoyed our food. Pat's gluten free pancakes with bacon and my buttermilk pancakes with eggs (over medium) and bacon were superb.

Kevin's breakfast at Kerbey Lane.  photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Type of Food:
Mexican/American (Farm to Table)

Handicapped Accessibility:
At the 183 location, we could not find handicapped parking or even a curb-cuts in front of the restaurant. An issue that the shopping center needs to address. As we left, we did find handicapped parking with curb cuts in front of the Amish Furniture store down the sidewalk.  So they are ADA compliant, however, the shopping center could do more (as is so often the case) to make all the businesses more accessible.

Location(s):
Northwest
13435 Hwy 183 N Ste. 415
Austin, TX 78750
512-258-7757
OPEN 24/7

UT
2606 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78705
512-477-5717
OPEN 24/7

Central
3704 Kerbey Lane
Austin, TX 78731
512-451-1436
OPEN 24/7

South
3003 South Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
512-445-4451
OPEN 24/7



Southwest
4301 William Cannon
Austin, TX 78749
512-899-1500
OPEN 24/7


Have you eaten at Kerbey Lane? We would love to hear your thoughts as well. 

Mount Olive Baptist Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
The Mount Olive Baptist Church congregation was organized March 3, 1889, in the vicinity of Masontown, one of Austin's earliest African settlements. The early years of the congregation coincided with a period of intense optimism and community activism in the historic neighborhood (bounded by E. 3rd, E. 6th, Chicon, and Waller Streets). A number of significant African American religious and educational institutions were established in and around Masontown during this period, including Tillotson College (now Huston-Tillotson College), where the church's organizational meeting and early worship services took place.

In 1909, under the leadership of the Rev. J.H. Harrold, the congregation moved to its first church building at 1603 E. 4th Street in the heart of Masontown, changing space needs led the congregation to relocate to 1113 Leona Street in 1939 during the tenure of the Rev. A.H. Brown, and later to 1800 E. 11th Street during the pastorate of the Rev. H.A. Sneed.

Still located in an area of Austin settled early by African Americans, the Mount Olive Baptist Church congregation continues to maintain its historic ties to Huston-Tillotson College and actively pursues local mission programs in the community.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
1991

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility.

Location:
1800 E 11th Street


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Austin RV Expo - Feb. 21-24, 2013

The Austin RV Expo is held twice a year. The February show is held at the Austin Convention Center in downtown Austin, while the October show is held at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

Lets face it we Americans yearn to get away on shorter trips more often at all times of the year. An RV makes that easier, allowing you to strike out on the road whenever you want and go nearly anywhere you want.

With so many destinations, events, adventures and models from which to choose, RV travelers are always on the move, making memories every mile of the way. Of course one thing I will want to know by visiting this show is whether or not RV's can be handicapped accessible.

photo from RVproperty.com

When:
Admission: $8 Adults / $4 Children & Seniors

2013 Spring Show Hours
Thursday, Feb 21 – 12:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, Feb 22- 10:00am-8:00pm
Saturday, Feb 23 – 10:00am-8:00pm
Sunday, Feb 24 – 10:00am-5:00pm

The 2013 Austin RV Expo will be held at the Austin Convention Center right in the heart of downtown Austin, TX.


Parking:
Parking is available in nearby surface lots as well as the Convention Center Parking Garages.

0-15 minutes: $0.00

15 minutes – 1 hour: $3.00

1 – 2 hours: $5.00

2 – 7 hours: $7.00

7 – 9 hours: $9.00

9 – 12 hours: $12.00

Lost ticket: $30.00

Overnight parking is not allowed.

During the weekend (Fridays & Saturdays 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.) and special events, rates will be as posted. “Pay on entry” method will be used Fri. & Sat., 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

The Convention Center Parking Garages accept cash, local checks, and the following credit cards: MasterCard; Visa; American Express; Diners Club; and Discover.

Handicapped Accessibility:
Handicapped Accessibility of the Austin Convention Center meets state ADA compliance and there are
14 Handicapped Parking on-the-street spaces on Trinity at Cesar Chavez Street

Location:
500 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78701

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The Archive War

Inscription:
In 1839 Austin became the Capital of the Republic of Texas. The National Archives – state papers and land titles – were housed on Congress Avenue. In 1842, after Mexican armies seized San Antonio and seemed likely to capture Austin, many residents fled in what was called “The Breakup”. From his home in Galveston, President Sam Houston ordered removal of the government papers. A local “Archive Committee” responded by burying them. The President then tried unsuccessfully to have Congress create a new Capital near the coast. Later his men came secretly to haul the papers to the interim Capital, Washington-on-the-Brazos. Loading them before dawn on Dec. 30, 1842.

Mrs. Angelina Eberly, a noted innkeeper and one of the few women in Austin during The Breakup, found the men loading the archives in darkness. Running to the city cannon on Congress Avenue at Pecan (6th) Street, she fired at the wagons. The 26 men departed with the records. About 68 citizens rode after them, hauling along the city cannon. Some 20 miles from Austin they retrieved the archives without bloodshed.

Because the archives remained here, the President and the Congress returned in 1845, preserving Austin as the Capital of the Republic and (later) the state.

Erected:
1978

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility.

Location:
Located on the state capitol grounds, near the intersection of 11th and Congress Austin, TX 78701

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No Idea Festival Austin 2013

The No Idea Festival is a multi-city festival that is unique to each city.


Austin Details:
2/16 2pm - 4pm ****Free****
Free public concert / busking with Mexico City multi-instrumentalist and avid busker Misha Marks.
Location:
 The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
901 W Cesar Chavez St.
map

Ralph White
-and-
Chris Cogburn
Dafne-Vicente-Sandoval

2/17 8pm - 11pm ****$8 - 15 sliding scale****
A special pre-festival concert in conjunction with Church Of The Friendly Ghost

Location:
Salvage Vanguard Theater
2803 Manor Rd. (map)

First set
Dafne Vicente-Sandoval
Xavier Lopez

Second set
Catherine Lamb

Third set
Bonnie Jones

2/22 8pm - 12am ****$8 - $15 sliding scale****
The Museum Of Human Achievement
3600 Lyons Street
(map)

First set
Damon Smith
Sandy Ewen

Second set
Catherine Lamb
Bryan Eubanks

Third set
Alvin Fielder
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten
Milo Tamez


2/23 8pm - 12am ****$8 - $15 sliding scale****
The Museum Of Human Achievement
3600 Lyons Street
(map)

First set
Lunch Money
Chris Cogburn
Bob Hoffnar
Aaron Allen

Second set
Dafne Vicente-Sandoval
Xavier Lopez
Bonnie Jones

Third set
Bryan Eubanks
Maggie Bennett

Fourth set
Milo Tamez
Ingebrigt Håker Flaten
Remi Álvarez

First Colored Baptist Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
The oldest black Baptist church in the city, the fellowship grew from the slave membership of the First Baptist Church of Austin. In 1854 the committee on religious conditions of the colored population recommended to the churches of the Austin Baptist Association that separate services be provided for their black members, soon after, slaves in the First Baptist congregation began attending special worship services conducted by a white missionary and a slave preacher, the Rev. Jacob Fontaine, a prominent black leader of the city.

In 1867 under the direction of the Rev. Jacob Fontaine, the First Baptist Church for Colored was formally organized with thirteen charter members. Early services for the new congregation were held in a blacksmith shop at the southwest corner of Tenth and Congress, and in the basement of the First Baptist Church. In 1869, during the administration of Mayor Leander Brown, the city of Austin deeded the church a tract of land at the corner of Ninth and Guadalupe for construction of the first sanctuary.

A significant force in the development of Austin's black community since the 1860s, the church has been led by many prominent Baptist preachers.

Erected:
1981

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to some with limited mobility, while being difficult to actually get in front of for others who cannot travel in grassy areas.
Location:
4805 Hefion Lane Austin, TX 78721

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You're My Butter Half

Austin is full of awesome art and it’s one of the things that I really appreciate the most about this great city. Visiting the “You’re My Butter Half” mural is certainly one of those things that will put a smile on anyone's face. This mural is on the United Way for Greater Austin building.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

With today being Valentine's Day, I thought this would be the most perfect mural to post today. Hope you enjoy it and be sure to check out all the street art, that Austin has to offer. Speaking of street art, if you know another mural that I should check out, let me know! Smile and have a great week!

Handicapped Accessibility:
The mural is visible from the sidewalk, but is located on a grassy hill that is not very accessible for many facing mobility issues. So if you want to get closer then the sidewalk, it isn't accessible.

Location:
United Way for Greater Austin
2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.
MLK and Alamo
Austin, Texas 78702

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Thompson Home

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Painting contractor John W. Thompson married Jennie L. Metz in 1877. They built this home in the Robertson Hill development, a fashionable neighborhood of the day. The simple Victorian residence has an unusual porch railing and decorative trim. The Thompsons’ daughter Willie Mae (d. 1966) occupied the structure until her death. It was then acquired by Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. The graduate chapter was founded in 1940. The sorority restored the house as a meeting place in 1967. It is Austin’s first black Greek letter house.

Erected:
1978

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility, though the sorority may not be.

Location:
1171 San Bernard Street Austin, TX 78701

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Confederate Texas Legislatures

Inscription:
When Texas seceded, Feb. 1, 1861, the 8th Legislature was in Austin in a called session, adjourned Feb. 9.

On March 18, the 8th came back for a second called session; the 9th and 10th Legislatures in turn were harassed with problems of the Civil War. They found it necessary to raise, equip and supply 90,000 Texas soldiers, who fought on all fronts, and to provide for defense against Indians, enemy troops and ships on 2000 miles of state coastline and frontiers.

As naval blockade reduced imports, the legislature established plants to make guns, powder, cloth, salt. Contracts subsidies and land grants were provided to encourage private industry to help meet heavy wartime demands for arms, supplies, clothing, food.

The lawmakers taxed property and business and made farmers turn in tithes of produce to feed citizen and soldier. Funds were voted to finance state barter in Mexico of cotton for factory goods; to aid solders’ dependents; and to provide medical care and hospitals for Texas troops, in and out of state.

Legislatures were in almost continuous sessions. Poor pay and inflated Confederate money caused many members to live in tents and covered wagons on the capitol grounds and cook over campfires.

Erected:
1965

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility.

Location:
Located on the state capitol grounds, near the intersection of 11th and Congress Austin, TX 78701

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2013 Austin Gun Shows

There has been a lot of talk about guns and gun shows in the news lately. Especially after the horrible incidents that occurred in Newtown, CT. So we thought we would take a look at the gun shows here in Austin, from a completely unbiased viewpoint. There are nine (9) shows scheduled here in Austin. Two by Premier Gun Show and seven by Saxet Gun Shows. Below are the details of those shows.

Premier Gun Shows:
817-732-1194
Visitors to the Austin Gun Shows by Premier will enjoy a huge selection of firearms, ammunition, shooting supplies and knives. The dealers will have “direct from the factory” guns as well as pre-owned and collectibles. At the show you can buy, sell or trade. The gun show is more than just guns. You can also find a wide array of ammo, scopes, clips, reloading supplies and other accessories. There are concealed carry permit instructors from whom you can purchase an off-site approved course.
You may bring your own gun to the show, however it must be unloaded, checked by the Police Officers at the entrance, and tied with a plastic tie. NO EXCEPTIONS and yes this includes concealed carry permit holders, the show is posted as such in accordance with Texas laws.

When:
Feb 9-10 2013 - Saturday 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Apr 13-14 - Saturday 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

Admission:
General Admission – $8, cash only
Weekend Passes – $12, cash only
Children UNDER 12 – Free
Uniformed Peace Officers – Free

Handicapped Accessibility:
North Austin Events is accessible to persons of all mobility.
Location:
North Austin Events Center
10601 N. Lamar Austin, TX

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Saxet Gun Shows:
SAXET Gun Shows have been the landmark gun and outdoor product trade show for more then 20 years, throughout central and south Texas. According to their website, their shows are consistently filled to capacity with a huge variety of firearms, accessories, ammunition, knives, tactical gear, hunting, target sports products and much more.

They welcome everyone to join them at their next show in Austin. With hundreds of tables to fit a wide range of interests, there is something for literately everyone interested in firearms, hunting, collecting, military history, and more.

When:
Jan 26-27 2013 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Feb 16-17 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Apr 27-28 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Aug 17-18 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Sep 21-22 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Oct 19-20 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm
Dec 21-22 Sat. 9am - 6pm and Sun. 9am - 5pm

Admission:
$5 per day
Parking:
$2 per day

Handicapped Accessibility:
The Travis County Expo Center is accessible to persons of all mobility.
Location:
Travis County Expo Center
7311 Decker Lane
Austin, Texas 78724

Succession Convention

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 caused unrest and drastic action all over the south and in many Texas counties. Despite petitions, editorials and political pressure, Gov. Sam Houston refused to call a special legislative session to consider the position Texas should take on Dec. 3, 1860. A group of secession leaders took matters into their own hands and called on the people to elect delegates to a convention to meet in Austin on Jan. 28, 1861. Counties sent 177 delegates and the convention met in the Capitol from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 and March 2 to March 25. A committee on public safety, with broad powers, acted for the convention between sessions.

By vote of 166 to 7, the convention adopted the ordinance of secession and called for a statewide election – the first state in the Confederacy to let voters have a direct voice. 108 of the 122 counties favored secession by a vote of 46,129 to 14,697.

The convention voted to join the Confederacy, send delegates to its congress, gear for war and raise troops to protect the frontier. When Gov. Sam Houston refused to take the oath supporting the Confederacy the convention replaced him with the Lieutenant Governor, Edward Clark.

Erected:
1965

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible to persons of all mobility.

Location:
Located on the state capitol grounds, near the intersection of 11th and Congress Austin, TX 78701

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Social Media Meeting Last Night - Networking SxSw

Last night my wife and I had the opportunity to visit a group of other Social Media enthusiasts at the Java Jive on 5th (aka Starbucks @ the Hilton), before walking over to the Austin Convention Center. It was a great chance to learn some things about social media as well as network with some other people.  The group seems to meet about twice a month and is one of several social media groups around Austin, although a number of the people attend the other groups as well.
The meeting last night focused around networking at large events such as the biggest one in Austin, known to the world as SXSW.  We covered a number of different platforms, some of which like Foursquare which I do not currently use. All of which was discussed in the manner of using your smart phone or tablet devices rather then your laptops. The reason for that was mainly because laptops are horrible to use when trying to network at an event (or concert) such as SXSW.  A phone for example, you can check in someplace and see instantly that who else is checking in at the same time. Thus meet and network with them.  
So, I guess I will be checking out Foursquare, and if I have enough space on my phone see about adding it to the phone. In the meantime, I will be awaiting the Social media Breakfast on February 21.

P.S. on a side note the wife and I seen the Google car photographing the area as we were crossing the intersection to the Convention Center.

Social Media Breakfast Austin - How Different Generations Use Social Media

The Social Media Breakfast group has announced it's next meeting, which will be February 21.

SMBAustin #28 - How Different Generations Use Social Media
Social Media Breakfast Austin
Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 7:30 AM (CST)
Austin, TX

Handicapped Accessibility:
The restaurant is ADA compliant.

Location:
Kerbey Lane Cafe - Northwest
13435 N Hwy 183
#415
Austin, TX 78750

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King-Tears Mortuary

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
In October 1901, William M. Tears opened the Tears Funeral Home at 614 E. 6th Street to provide mortuary services for African Americans in Austin and the surrounding area. Upon his death in 1923, his son William M. Tears, Jr. became manager of the firm. In 1933, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. King opened King and Company (later King Funeral Home) at 1107 E. 6th Street. Tears relocated to this site in 1934, and King completed extensive remodeling in 1936. In 1955, these two historic east Austin establishments merged to form the King-Tears Funeral Home. Continuing to operate at this site with expanded services and charitable works in the community, King-Tears remains an important part of Austin’s heritage.

Erected:
2002

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is in a grassy area, but completely visible/accessible to persons of all mobility

Location:
1300 E 12th Austin, TX

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Littlefield Building

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
George Washington Littlefield (1842-1920) came to Texas from Mississippi in 1850. After serving in Terry’s Texas Rangers in the Civil War, he made his fortune ranching and driving cattle. He moved to Austin in 1883 and, in 1890, established the American National Bank, which included a ladies’ banking department. He hired architect C.H. Page, Jr., to design this Beaux Arts classical building, which opened in 1912 with a rooftop garden. His bank was on the ground floor. For the corner entrance, he commissioned Tiffany’s of New York to cast bronze, bas-relief doors by sculptor Daniel Webster. These were later donated to the University of Texas, of which Littlefield was a major benefactor.



Erected:
2002

Handicapped Accessibility:
This historical marker is visible to all regardless of mobility.

Location:
601 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701

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St. Mathews Evangelical Lutheran Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This property, once situated just outside capitol square at 106 East Peach Street (Later 13th), was the original location of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church (“Die Deutsche Evangelish Lutherische Kirche”). Pastor Henry Merz (1842-1928), a missionary for the first Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Texas, organized the congregation in 1883 with 20 German families. They worshiped first in homes or stores and later borrowed the facilities of the First Presbyterian and Gethsemane Lutheran Churches. The congregation acquired this lot in 1884. The cornerstone for the first church building was laid on December 21, 1884, and the new structure was dedicated with formal ceremonies on April 26, 1885. Designed in a modified Gothic style, the brick church building measured 36 feet by 58 feet and had a truncated bell tower.

In 1929 St. Martin’s congregation erected a more spacious sanctuary at 1400 Congress, and the original church building was converted into state offices. In 1959, as the capitol complex expanded, both churches were razed and 13th Street was closed to make way for state office buildings. St. Martin’s moved to new facilities at 606 West 15th Street.

Erected:
1979

Handicapped Accessibility:
This marker is accessible persons of all mobility.

Location:
In northeast corner of capitol grounds just west of where E. 14th St. ends

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