YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN SAVING OUR CULTURAL HISTORY !

Our Website allows all citizens to become a part of "SAVE OUR HISTORY"; Not as viewers, only, but to easily add stories, photos, maps, and family history. Tell your OWN Story about East Austin!

Our Afterschool Youth Historians have already begun at: www.saveourhistoryaustin.org/
You can also type: Jacob Fontaine in the address and search.

The PURPOSE of this website was started as an Afterschool Youth Funded Project to learn more about the History of Blacks in East Austin.
We have learned that the Cultural in East Austin has always been diverse.
As you visit the LINKS, you will see posted text, posted messages and learn about the life of individuals and their careers in East Austin.

All content will reside in the Wetpaint server to continue to gather comments for both our Youths and Researchers.

Wetpaint never ends, any one any where that has access to internet, is helping students and the community stay connected.

Safety of our children has been discussed: Only give first names, No address, No phone number and No E-mail address. They have been advised, if something looks Un-SAFE, TELL US!

We try to make sure that Wetpaint is a SAFE and ENJOYABLE website for learning.
So COME ON, JOIN Youth Historians and Add a Story, a Photo or a Comment !
YOU ARE WELCOME !


Dr. E.W.D. Abner, in 1907, was the only X-ray owned colored physician in Austin and had the largest in the state at 306 East 6th Street.


People's Business College, 1907, was operated by Mrs. Erma Van-Dyke at 1702 Rosewood Street. Mrs. Thomas was the only barber for 3 years.


John W. Whitley's Home and Art Shop in 1907, at 1169 San Bernard Street.

O.R. Lott, Sr. founder of the Lott Lumber Company, Incorporated in 1907. It was family operated for 35 years.

The New Masonic Temple wass erected in 1950 at 1702 East 12th Street.

The Street Contruction Company, 1930's with Mr. Oliver B. Street as General Contractor.

The Victory Grill,1104 East 11th Street. owned and operated by Mr.& Mrs. Johnny Holmes.It is one of Austin's unique Cafe during the 1950's. Many well known "stars" of today. played at the Victory Grill.

The Deluxe Hotel & Cafeteria, located at the corner of Rosewood and Navasota Streets, in 1950's. It was owned and operated by James L. and Gladys Reed. It was regarded as one of the 'Finest" and best equipped hotel for Negroes in the Southwest.

Tears Funeral Home , 1901, founded by William M. Tears, Sr. In 1950's, Milton C. Tears, his son, operated the business at 614 East 6th Street. Later, the name was changed to King-Tears Funeral Home, now located at 1300 East 12th Street. It is the Oldest continous operating business in East Austin.

The Owens Garage at 1114 Bob Harrison Street; In 1950, Mr. Owens had been in business for 24 years. he was the proprietor of Owen's Garage and General Auto Repair Shop. Mr. Owens was a member of First Baptist Church . He sold several lots to the church on Heflin Lane where First Baptist stands today.

Arnold Bakery, 1877, a negro named Moses Keiling lived on the property at East 11th Street. Between 1880 and 1885 the property passed to William Frazier, a leader in the "colored" community. In 1890's Richard Arnold opened a German bakery in the building and he operated well into the 20th century. This property has housed various businesses as, Reuter's Bakery, the Southern Barber Shop and the Jolly Time Recreation Club. Notably, the Southern Dinette operated by Jimmie and Georgia Owens and their relatives from the late 1940's through 1988. it was known throughout the city for having the "best soul food"
In 2002, the building was rehabilitated by Shoehorn Design, now used for office space.

Urdy Plaza was built in 2003 and named in honor of Dr. Charles E. Urdy. a scientist, a professor. a former council member and community activist. The tile mosaic mural,"Rhapsody" that faces the street ,was created by John Yancey and Ms. Thomas , are East Austin artists.