Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Big brands, grocery store join Northline.

• Freddie Freeman's grand slam leads Dodgers over Yankees in Game 1.

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

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today."

— Will Rogers

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

Big-name brands, including a grocery store, could be on tap for Leander's Northline project. (link)

More than five years after closing, NLand Surf Park to get new life as private surf community. (link)

🏒Sports

Bucks' Andre Jackson crashes into Milwaukee townhouse. (link)

Freddie Freeman's walkoff grand slam powers Dodgers past Yankees in World Series Game 1. (link)

🏦Finance

Austin sports bar owners opening Texas-style restaurant in the Hill Country. (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 Mens Basketball vs. Houston Christian Huskies Mens Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Fri • Nov 08, 2024 | (more info)

🏀 Texas Longhorns Womens Basketball vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Womens Basketbal
Moody Center ATX, Austin, TX
Sun • Nov 10, 2024 • 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Old 97's with Fastball
Scoot Inn, Austin, TX
Thu • Nov 07 • 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 State Champs
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Fri • Nov 08 • 6:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎪 Renewable Energy Art Build
1023 Springdale Rd Bldg 3, Austin, TX
Sunday 10 November, 2024 at 1:00 pm | (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 - Folklorist and writer

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

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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