Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Neko Case performance

• Austin Johnson Signs with Bills for One Year

• A deep-dive into the life of J. Frank Dobie

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic district in Austin is known for its colorful bungalows and vibrant nightlife?

A) Hyde Park

B) Rainey Street Historic District

C) Sixth Street Historic District

D) South Congress

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event known for showcasing vintage cars and hot rods is C) Lone Star Rod & Kustom Round Up.

News

💼 Business

Atlanta Mayor announced the development of a new MARTA rail station, enhancng the city's public transportation network and accessibility. (link)

Construction Kicks Off on 314-Acre Velocity Development in Southeast Austin. (link)

Deep Eddy Cabaret, Crowned 'Dive Bar Royalty,' Earns Historic Designation (link)

🏒 Sports

NASCAR Series Ignites COTA with High-Speed Thrills Over Race Weekend (link)

Spurs Take on Nuggets and Nets in I-35 Series Showdown at Moody Center. (link)

DL Austin Johnson agrees to one-year deal with Bills. (link)

🏦 Finance

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vows continued aid to Ukraine. (link)

Texas AG Paxton asks judge to reject Austin's plans to finance Project Connect improvements (link)

Orderfaz Makes International Breakthrough with Kemenparekraf at SXSW 2024 Event in Austin, United States. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Texas Longhorns Baseball vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 2nd | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🏒 Texas Stars vs. Colorado Eagles
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Tuesday, Apr 2nd | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 40 Oz To Freedom (Sublime Tribute)
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Monday, Apr 1st | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Neko Case
Paramount Theatre-Austin, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 2nd | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Home, I'm Darling by Laura Wade
Trinity Street, Austin, TX
Apr 4th - 5th | 7:30 - 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🐕 1st Annual Pup Crawl
MUTTS Canine Cantinat, Austin, TX
Apr 1stth | 9:00 AM | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Spaceport integrated into Austin's central hub” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Austin Historical Events

1994 - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is established.

In 1994, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was established in Austin, Texas. Founded by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, the center was originally known as the National Wildflower Research Center. Its mission was to protect and preserve North America's native plants and natural landscapes. The original center was located on a 60-acre site in East Austin and later expanded to a 284-acre site. In 1997, the center was officially renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in honor of the former First Lady's dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a premier center for research and education on Texas wildflowers and native vegetation. Its gardens, natural areas, and arboretum display nearly 900 species of native plants, making it a valuable resource for botanical enthusiasts and conservationists. The center's establishment marked a significant milestone in the preservation of Austin's natural landscapes, reflecting Lady Bird Johnson's passion for environmental conservation and her commitment to promoting the beauty of native wildflowers.

In 2006, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center joined The University of Texas at Austin, further solidifying its role as a leading institution for the study and preservation of native plants. The center's legacy continues to inspire a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Texas and serves as a testament to Lady Bird Johnson's enduring influence on environmental conservation efforts.

Famous People From Austin

J. Frank Dobie: 1888-1964

James Frank Dobie, known as the "Storyteller of the Southwest," was an American folklorist, writer, and newspaper columnist. Born in 1888 on his family's cattle ranch in Live Oak County, Texas, Dobie lived a rugged life on a Texas cattle ranch while also engaging with the state's modern centers of scholarly learning.

Early Life and Ranching Heritage

J. Frank Dobie was born on September 26, 1888, on a ranch in Live Oak County, Texas, as the eldest of six children of Richard J. and Ella Dobie. His ranching heritage became an early influence on his character and personality, shaping his deep connection to the land and the traditions of rural Texas.

Literary Career and Folklore

Dobie gained national attention as the first Texas-based writer to capture the Southwest's folk heritage in best-selling books such as "Tales of Old-Time Texas," "Coronado's Children," and "The Longhorns." He brought scholarship out of the ivory tower and down to earth, where it could be shared among the people, making significant contributions to the preservation of Texas folklore and traditions.

Connection to Austin and Later Years

After a severe illness in 1959, Dobie sold his ranch in Marble Falls and bought a ranch 14 miles southwest of Austin, where he continued to write and engage with the literary community. His move to the Austin area marked a significant period in his life, where he remained an influential figure in the Texas literary scene.

Legacy and Influence

J. Frank Dobie's legacy as the "Father of Texas Literature" continues to inspire writers and scholars, with his work serving as a cornerstone of Texas folklore and literary heritage. His dedication to preserving the traditions and stories of rural Texas has left an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of the state.

Key Achievements of J. Frank Dobie:

• Pioneered the preservation of Texas folklore and traditions through his best-selling books.

• Brought scholarly work on folklore out of the ivory tower and made it accessible to the public.

• Established a legacy as the "Father of Texas Literature," inspiring future generations of writers and scholars.

• Contributed to the cultural preservation of rural Texas through his literary works.

• Remains an influential figure in the Texas literary community, with his legacy continuing to shape the state's cultural heritage.

J. Frank Dobie's life and work exemplify a deep connection to the traditions and folklore of rural Texas, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire and educate. His influence as the "Father of Texas Literature" remains a testament to his dedication to preserving the stories and heritage of the Southwest.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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