Friday, April 26, 2013

Buddington-Benedict-Sheffield Compound

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Albert and Rebecca Buddington built the first part of this compound as their home c. 1860. In 1921, it became the home of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who served as University of Texas Professor and President. Delia Edwards, a later owner, commissioned Arthur Fehr to alter the original house and design an adjacent Rustic-style cottage with a fireplace mantel carved by Peter Mansbendel. Wilhelmine Sheffield, who bought the property in the 1940s, added another house and an enclosing wall, as well as ironwork crafted by Fortuanat Weigl and his company.


Erected:
2004

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker can be seen from a wheelchair, but it could be hard to access, due to it's location. It seems when they placed the marker in 2004, well after ADA laws were passed, no thought was given to handicapped person having an interest in this. The marker is located on the outside wall of 500 W. 34th, but can only be seen if you enter and go to the front of the carport. So if cars are parked there forget about seeing it if you are handicapped.

Location:
500-508 W 34th St, Austin TX 78705

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What do think about this attraction?

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Eeyore's 50th Annual Birthday Party - April 27, 2013

Eeyores Birthday Party is a fund-raiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. Some of these groups will be selling hot and cold food (including vegetarian), soft drinks, juices, spring water, and Texas beer at the event. Look for commemorative Eeyore Birthday Party T-shirts.

  1. Please wear a costume. There will be costume contests and other games with prizes for children of all ages.
  2. Artists will be doing face painting and temporary tattoos.
  3. Musicians playing non-amplified instruments are invited to play.
  4. There will be Maypoles for the young and young at heart.

About:
Eeyore's Birthday Party is an all day festival taking place annually right here in Austin, since 1963. It typically occurs on the last Saturday of April in Pease Park. It includes live music, food and drink vending which benefit local non-profit organizations, attendees in colorful costumes, and large drum circles. The event is a family friendly festival that is named in honor of the Eeyore character from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.


When:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
11:00 a.m. until dark.
Children's Area from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Live Music from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
In case of rain event will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013


Handicapped Accessibility:
Handicapped parking will be available at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets, special needs buses will be available.

Pease Park is accessible, however some venders/attractions may be set up in grassy areas that may be hard to navigate for some persons with mobility issues. 

Parking:
Don't even think of trying to park at the Park.
There will be absolutely NO parking available at the park. Please take the bus, ride a bike, or walk!
Parking is FREE at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets where our shuttle buses will pick you up and return you all day long!!! Handicapped parking is also available at the same location, special needs buses will be available.

Website:
www.eeyores.org

Location:
Pease Park
1100 Kingsbury Street

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

All Saints' Episcopal Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This edifice stands on the mid-1840s land grant of former Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar, and near the official residence of the second Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, the Rt. Rev. George Herbert Kinsolving (1849-1928). Aided by the Bishop and his wife Grace, the Diocese of Texas bought this land as site for a residence for women students of the University of Texas. Built in 1897, that structure called “Grace Hall” was in use for nearly 70 years.

All Saints’, erected in 1899 as a chapel for Grace Hall, was dedicated to the memory of the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg (1819-93), first Episcopal Bishop of Texas. Austin architect A.O. Watson designed the Gothic Revival structure of native limestone. Its stained glass windows of Medieval Mosaic style are recognized as fine examples of American art.

By 1910, All Saints’ had become a parish in the growing university neighborhood. In time, three of its Rectors became Bishops. The crozier of office of Bishop Kinsolving stood in the chancel for 35 years. He was revered as the founder, benefactor, and lifelong friend of the parish. As he had wished, his body was buried beneath the altar in 1939.

Erected:
1975

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker is at street level making it accessible to persons of all mobility issues.

Location:
 209 W 27th St Austin, TX 78701

What do think about this attraction?

Monday, April 22, 2013

Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

Peter & Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

photo by Kevin Surbaugh



The Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House is an historic home in the Hyde Park Historic District in Austin, Texas, United States. It is also a part of the Shadow Lawn Historic District, a subdivision within the Hyde Park neighborhood established by Hyde Park founder Monroe Shipe.
The house was built in 1925 by Peter Mansbendel, a master carpenter who personally added carved-wood decorations to the home. Mansbendel also carved wooden doors for the mid-century restoration of the Governor's Palace in San Antonio, and provided work for Austin's first permanent public library in 1933.
The house is located at 3824 Avenue F. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
- Wikipedia


Hours:
Not open to the public


Location:
3824 Avenue F
Austin, TX 78751


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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Fun Times for Those Who Attended The Attic Film Fest 2013

The 2013 Attic Film Fest is now in the books.  The Audience Choice Award went to M. Legend Brown and Hiding in Plain Sight, which officially releases May 7, 2013. Dallas Jenkins, son of best selling author Jerry Jenkins won several awards from the judges for both of his entries What If... and The Ride (which won't be available until later this year). Below is the 22 minute video of the awards presentation, delivered by Steve and Amy of Spirit 105.9.



Organizers say that attendance at the sixth annual film festival was down, but submissions for entry was up. Personally, I am hopeful that next year will be the biggest year yet in ticket sales.
M. Legend Brown winner of the Audience Favorite Award
at Attic Film Fest.
Photo by Kevin Surbaugh

What do think? Did you make it to the Attic Film Fest this year? Will you try to attend next year?

Friday, April 19, 2013

Arboretum Cow Sculptures

About:
These five stone bovines, are located in the Arboretum, which is an upscale shopping center on Austin's northwest side. Some may find it surprising, that these stony bovines are not connected to the nearby Amy's ice cream parlor in any way.
photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Artist:
Harold F. Clayton
photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Materials Used:
Stone

Handicapped Accessibility:
The best way for a handicapped individual to make their way to see the cow sculptures is to park in the limited number of handicapped parking spaces in front of Five Guys and to take the lengthy and winding series of ramps near Amy's Ice Cream, down to the open park like area. Be warned though the ramp is narrow, and two people cannot pass on the ramp.

Location:
10000 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

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What do think about this attraction?

Monday, April 15, 2013

Bailey Park

Some say that Bailey Park is one of the best-kept secrets in Austin. That in part is because the park is neatly tucked away just off of north Lamar, about 2 blocks south of Seton Medical Center, in Central Austin. It has a sand volleyball court, a well-maintained public tennis court, splash pad and public bathrooms are on site. Parking on 33rd street is easy, free, and within close walking distance.

This is must visit if you're central and looking for something free to do with the family during summer.


photo by Kevin Surbaugh



Handicapped Accessibility:
Like most parks some areas are accessible, but other areas like the playground handicapped persons were forgotten about.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh


Location:
1101 W. 33rd Street
Austin, TX 78705

What do think about this park? Have you been here? Share your thoughts in the comments below.