August 27, 2024

Today’s Forecast

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Then and Now: Travel back in time through Conroe’s history

Delve into historic Conroe’s rich history dating back 130+ years. | Photo provided by Visit Conroe

Picture this: It’s 1881, and Isaac Conroe, a retired Calvary captain, establishes a sawmill at the intersection of two railroads in Montgomery County — signifying the beginning of one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

Humble beginnings

Once the sawmill was constructed, settlers quickly began populating the community, and homes, schools, and community centers (including the first postmaster) would follow.

A rapidly growing population and ample lumber supply allowed the city to become a major shipping center. By 1889, 250-300 people lived in Conroe, and the community was officially incorporated in 1904.

During The Great Depression, George W. Strake struck oil just outside of town, revitalizing the local economy and lending the nickname “Miracle City.”

conroe lumber company on the railroad — The first sawmill was located just east of the International-Great Northern Railroad.
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Photo provided by Visit Conroe

Standing the test of time

The Old Historic Downtown Conroe is a reflection of a carefully preserved history with many historical landmarks dating back centuries, including:

The Isaac Conroe Home
Built in 1885, this historic home once served as a post office and temporary courthouse. The city’s transportation office is here today — guests welcome.

Crighton Theatre
Catch a flick or live production at this 1935-constructed playhouse that once offered 50-cent admission.

Madeley Building
Built shortly after a devastating fire that tore through part of downtown Conroe, this structure housed a meat market, retail shops, and a telephone company. Today, it’s home to the Conroe Art League.

Shepard’s Barber Shop
Recognized as the oldest continuously operating barber shop in Texas with notable customers like Elvis Presley, this building pays homage to its history with original green vinyl chairs, striped awnings, and a rotating barber’s pole.

A bustling hub

Today, Conroe is celebrated as a music-friendly community with a rich cultural arts and culinary scene — making it the perfect weekend getaway.

Pack your bags, Austin

Asked

Which famous singer-songwriter was born and raised in Conroe?

A. Chris Stapleton
B. Parker McCollum
C. George Strait
D. Loretta Lynn

We're testing your knowledge

Events

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Welcome to Austin! | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | East Austin Hotel | Free with RSVP | If you recently moved to ATX, now’s your chance to meet other people who are new to the city over drinks at the boutique hotel’s rooftop bar.
Oklahoma City Baseball Club vs. Round Rock Express | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 7:05 p.m. | Dell Diamond | $21-$45 | Grab your friends, a hot dog, some nachos, and a cold beer to cheer on our local MLB baseball team.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Lowrider Car Birthday Celebration | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum | Free with admission | This celebration, featuring crafts, music, and Texas lowriding displays, honors a 1967 Ford LTD’s 46th birthday owned by John Colunga.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Slightly Stoopid + Dirty Heads | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 6 p.m. | Germania Insurance Amphitheater | $20-$70 | See the “Slightly Dirty” summer tour with special guests HIRIE, KBong, and Johnny Cosmic.
Mozart’s Movies on the Lake: “Footloose” | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 8:30 p.m. | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | Cost of purchase | Cut loose (aka eat all of the popcorn and candy you like) and enjoy this classic film next to Lake Austin.

Plan Ahead

Austin Coffee Festival | Saturday, Sept. 28-Sunday, Sept. 29 | Times vary | Palmer Events Center | $24-$58 | Sip brews from some of Austin’s best roasters at this event also featuring tea and food.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Concert

If you plan on tailgating before UT Austin’s first football game of the season this weekend, you’ll want to hear this. Midland, a country music band from Dripping Springs, will perform a free concert for Longhorn City Limits on the LBJ Lawn at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Edu

$15 million. That’s how much dough the U.S. Department of Energy awarded Austin ISD to add rooftop solar panels to 14 elementary, middle, and high schools in the district. The funding from the Renew America’s Schools Grant program aims to help modernize schools in underserved communities. (KXAN)

Civic

Equipment failure in a Southwest Austin transformer caused ~6,400 customers to lose power last week — but there’s now a permanent fix in place. After temporarily re-routing power, Austin Energy has completed repairs and the transformer is fully operating again.

Eat

Here’s the scoop. OroBianco Italian Creamery, which uses water buffalo milk as a main ingredient, will open a gelato truck on South Congress Avenue in September. Sweet treat seekers can expect classic flavors and seasonal offerings. (Eater Austin)

Travel

Want to vacation in the Big Easy? Delta Air Lines will launch new nonstop flights to New Orleans out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in February 2025 — just in time for Mardi Gras. Tickets are on sale now.

Shop

Need to stock your bar? The Dollar Sale is happening at every Twin Liquors location Thursday, Aug. 29-Saturday, Aug. 31. Prices are dropped to the lowest possible mark down, then $1 is added. If you want to shop local, read through our guide to Texas-based spirits before your spree.

Sports

It’s officially SEC Game Week... Longhorn fans, will you be tuning into other SEC games this weekend? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the SEC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Show

From writing pop classics for renowned artists to her chart-topping success with the album “Tapestry,” relive Carole King’s incredible journey during “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical.” Catch the performance on stage at ZACH Theatre now through Sunday, Sept. 22.*

Biz

Small business owners, financial hurdles should never stand in the way of your success. Visit BusinessLoans.com to compare personalized financing offers + unlock funding to fuel your goals.*

Events

🎉 Long weekend ahead

An overhead view of a lively pool party. People are gathered in and around a pool, enjoying drinks and conversation. The pool features a shallow area with steps and a deeper section where groups of people are socializing. A large, gold inflatable shaped like an anchor floats in the shallow part of the pool. The guests are dressed in swimwear, and the scene captures the relaxed, fun atmosphere of a summer pool gathering.

Over Labor Day weekend, W Austin’s WET DECK will sling a rotating menu of $10 spritzes. | Photo by David Brendan Hall

Spending Labor Day weekend in Austin? The forecast calls for hot dogs and burgers, live music, and lounging poolside.

For the pool lovers

Holiday weekend eats

More things to do

The Buy

Your favorite pair of Levi’s jeans for 60-70% off, thanks to Amazon’s Labor Day sale. Browse women’s high rise skinny jeans, women’s shaping jeans, and men’s relaxed fit jeans.

Shop Amazon's Labor Day sales

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Morgan

From the editor

Here’s a tip from one shopping lover to another — everything at Forever 21 in The Domain is 50% off right now. To my surprise, I liked a lot of the inventory, especially the shoes, bags, dresses, and pajamas.

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