Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Headquaters Marker

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Dedicated to the pursuit of education and humanitarian programs, the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs was founded in 1897. The goal of a permanent state headquarters was realized with the construction of this building in the early 1930s. Designed by prominent Dallas architect Henry Coke Knight (1896-1966), it is one of the best examples of Georgian Revival architecture in Texas and features a dominant central two-story portico and fine detailing. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

Erected:
1986

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The historical marker is at the top of the steps on the left hand side, with no wheelchair ramp to even enter this historical building which is home to the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs.

Location:

Austin Home and Garden Show - Jan 2013

This year Jason Cameron of DIY's "Desperate Landscapes" and "Man Caves" will be at the 15th annual Austin Home and Garden Show.  Cameron, will discuss his experiences as a licensed contractor and his hit shows “Desperate Landscapes” and “Man Caves” on the DIY Network. ”You can see Jason in new episodes of “Desperate Landscapes,” on the DIY Network.

When:
Friday Jan. 11 2:00 - 7:00
Saturday Jan. 12 10:00 - 7:00
Sunday Jan. 13 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



Handicapped Accessibility:
Palmer Events Center is ADA accessible.

Mobility Impaired Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center Garage on all levels located near elevators. Beginning November 1, 2009 only the following patrons will receive complimentary garage parking: vehicles with a specialty license plate for recipients of the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Medal of Honor and Legion of Merit Medal; vehicles with a specialty license plate for recipients of the Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Prisoners of War and Disabled Veterans.


Parking:
$7

Website:
www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com



Location:
Palmer Event Center
900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704

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Central Christian Church

Having grown up in the Disciples of Christ and some of the breakaway churches, it was interesting to see the first church of this denomination in Austin.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
In 1847, Eight years after the City of Austin was platted, ten members of the Disciples of Christ Brotherhood met to organize this congregation. Although early records of the church are scarce, it is known that regular worship services were being held in a local school building by 1852.

The Christian Church of Austin, as the congregation originally was known, acquired its first property at Eighth and Colorado Street and worshiped at that site until moving to this location in 1929. An early dispute over theological and procedural matters split the congregation in 1888. Until 1896, when the Rev.S .D. Dutcher was appointed pastor, leaders of the church were selected from among the laity.

The fellowship adopted its current name during the early years of the twentieth century, after other disciples of Christ congregations had been organized in Austin. Although much growth has occurred in the outlying sections of the city, Central Christian Church has remained a vital force in the downtown area, its ministry has included the establishment of several other congregations. As one of the oldest churches in Austin, Central Christian has provided the city with significant service and leadership.

Erected:
1985

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The church is accessible, but not at this entrance. No matter, the historical marker is at sidewalk level to the left of the steps in the picture. Handicapped individuals will have to access the sidewalk from the crosswalks or church parking lot.


Location:
1110 Guadalupe Street, Austin TX 78701


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Hotel Provident and Heierman Building

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Built in 1887, apparently as a hotel, for Tom Smith. Contractor was Austin Mayor Joseph Nalle. The “Hotel Provident” operated under various names until the 1920s. In conjunction with the hotel, the lower floor housed numerous businesses, including a newspaper, a law office, the “Texas Invention Co.”, and, 1900-45, various enterprises of J. Frank and John G. Heierman. The façade, with its erroneous date, was altered after 1900.


Erected:
1974

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The historical marker is on the facade of the building and is visible to all regardless of mobility.

Location:
115 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701

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Pond Springs Cemetery Marker

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This graveyard was begun for members of the Pond Springs community in the 1860s. The oldest grave is believed to be that of Mrs. Asenath M. Stewart (d. 1862). Also interred here is Mexican War veteran William P. Rutledge, Sr. (1815-1890), and Lavinia Hyland Chapman (1844-1929), a citizen of the Republic of Texas. Although the land was in use as a graveyard years earlier, it was not officially deeded as such by Thomas L. and H.M. Rutledge until 1872, and did not appear in deed records as a cemetery until 1877. It serves as a reminder of early Pond Springs history.

Erected:
1988

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessible:
The marker is pretty accessible as a paved parking spot is right in front of the sign. However, exploring the cemetery may be a little harder as it is all grass with not even a dirt or gravel trail through the cemetery.

Location:
There is no physical address for this cemetery. The coordinates are N 30° 28.09′ W 97° 47.284′ , it is located near 10015 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, TX 78729, between an apartment (Presido) complex and a car lot. On the right as you travel north between highways 183 and 620 (just south of 620).


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Free Week in Austin - January 2013

I have been in Austin since August 2010 and am now learning that the first week of January is a special time for the Austin music scene, bringing with it the annual tradition known as Free Week. During Free Week, participating venues offer nightly free shows featuring some of Austin's best local talent.

The focus of Free Week Austin is placed almost exclusively on the bands and musicians that call Austin home, making it a great opportunity to experience what the Austin music scene has to offer.

Participating venues for Free Week 2013 include:
Beerland,
Red 7,
The Mohawk,
Beauty Ballroom,
Stubb’s,
The Scoot Inn,
Holy Mountain,
Frank,
Swan Dive,
Antone's,
Flamingo Cantina,
Emo's,
Lamberts,
The Parish
For more information check @FreeWeekAustin on twitter.

Fort Colorado

This fort was a Republic of Texas defensive post built in the fall of 1836 by Colonel Robert M. Coleman and manned by Texas Rangers until 1838. The fort consisted of two blockhouses and a number of cabins enclosed within a high wall stockade. It is a travesty that this fort wasn't preserved for historical purposes. It would have made a great museum (much like Fort Scott in Fort Scott, KS).

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
June, 1836 - November, 1838.
Established and first commanded by
Colonel Robert M. Coleman.
Succeeded by Capt. Michael Andrews
And
Capt. William M. Eastland.

An extreme frontier outpost occupied by Texas Rangers to protect Anglo-American civilization from savage Indians in this vicinity.

Erected:
1936

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
Near Russet Hill Drive and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. (Coordinates: N 30° 17.194′, W 97° 40.453′) Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. Marker is on East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard west of Russet Hill Drive, on the right when traveling east.