This photograph appeared on the front of cards distributed by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, which certified membership and good standing in 1949. | Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
It’s hard to imagine a time when it was difficult to convince folks to move to Austin — after all, the Capital City only recently let go of a 12-year streak as the fastest-growing large metro area in America.
However, in 1943, when Austin’s population was fewer than 100,000, the Austin Chamber of Commerce was eager to attract new residents. Their efforts are memorialized in a campaign called “Austin, The Friendly City,” which includes a promotional video that now serves as a local time capsule.
So, what was it like to move to Austin 81 years ago? The film opens with the Smith family crossing into city limits after a “long, hard drive.” High school student Betty is hopeful to make new friends, and young Billy is excited about future fishing trips with his dad.
The family’s first stop is a cordial reception by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, which was promised to every new resident within a month of their arrival. They’re also greeted by Governor Coke R. Stevenson, who places his ten-gallon hat atop little Billy’s head. As a party favor, each newcomer takes home “a big sack full” of Austin-made products for their pantry. Talk about a warm welcome.
The Smiths then begin to survey their new city, and activities on their exploration are pretty similar to what Austinites enjoy today. The kids probe embedded fossils in the Travis County Courthouse, “feel the air of old world mystery” as they peruse the Elisabet Ney Museum, and take a photo in front of Treaty Oak.
Think it’s wild that I-35 once looked like this? It gets stranger: this snowy photo from 1937 was taken in November.
However, some parts of the city are nearly unrecognizable. The film’s narrator asks “Would you believe that this was once a cow pasture?” as a photo of East Avenue flashes across the screen. It’s described as “a pleasure to the eye,” but today, we know it as Interstate Highway 35.
Wurstfest | Now-Sunday, Nov. 10 | Times vary | 120 Landa St, New Braunfels | $18+ | Celebrate German culture through good food, live music, dancing, Steinholding competitions, and of course — lots of beer.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Lakeside Maker’s Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Loren Hotel Austin | Cost of purchase | Shop hand-designed products like fine jewelry and luxury home goods while enjoying drinks, light bites, and sweets.
22nd Annual Travis Heights Art Trail | Saturday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 3 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Multiple locations | Cost of purchase | Take a tour of local studios and buy art at this grassroots show created by and for Travis Heights artists.
Max Amini | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $43+ | Get ready to laugh at the comedy sensation’s headlining tour.
Sunday, Nov. 3
25th Anniversary Sinners Brunch | 12:30 p.m. | Jo’s Coffee - South Congress | Cost of purchase | Listen to Jo’s House Band while enjoying 1999-priced menu items and a special birthday cake-flavored latte.
The Very ‘Rary 2024 | 1-5 p.m. | The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria | $30+ | The sculpture garden will transform into a circus with art workshops, performances, pop-ups, and local eats.
P!NK | 7:30 p.m. | The Moody Center | $96+ | Hear hits like “Get the Party Started” and “Raise Your Glass” live, and catch opening acts Maren Morris and KidCutUp.
Tomorrow is It’s My Park Day, a community-led day of service hosted by the Austin Parks Foundation. Austinites will take to local parks across the city to help with restoration efforts, build new features, and tidy up. You can still register to volunteer.
Arts
A new public art installation is coming to a Downtown park. “Las Calaveras at Republic Square” debuts at the Muertos Mercado event tomorrow, Nov. 2, and will be in place through Sunday, Nov. 24. Don’t miss your chance to see the large, fiberglass skulls painted by Austin-based artists.
Eat
Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar is now open for lunch service on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests can dine à la carte or choose the three-course prix fixe menu, which offers a “complete Greek dining experience.” Walk in or grab a reservation.
Number
$377.3 million. That’s the estimated local impact of the 2024 South by Southwest festival, according to its annual report. The new figure is slightly lower than the estimated impact of SXSW 2023, which came in at nearly $381 million. (Austin Business Journal)
Ranked
Austin is the second healthiest city in America, according to a new study by Forbes. Factors taken into account include the percentage of people with high blood pressure, disease, and obesity. Feeling inspired? Check out our guide to gyms around the Capital City.
Sports
The Aggies will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. Which players need to perform the best to secure a win? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas A&M Aggies with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Inflation may be cooling, but car insurance premiums aren’t. Why? All insurance is now priced in real-time — so repair times, parts shortages, and credit scores all play a part in the final price. Take Money’s questionnaire on your best car insurance experience to see if you can save.*
Shop
Say hello to IQOS, a new alternative to cigarettes that provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction without the fire or ash. It’s an innovative device that heats tobacco instead of burning it. Join the exclusive IQOS Circle to become one of the first to get VIP access to IQOS.*
Category
Entertainment
🎬 Let’s go to Luck
“Look West” will highlight screenwriter Bill Wittliff’s contributions to film and storytelling in Texas. | Photo provided by Luck Presents
It’s time to don your cowboy boots, saddle up, and trot over to Luck, Texas for a first-of-its-kind experience.
“Look West,” a two-day celebration honoring Texas screenwriter Bill Wittliff, will run Friday, Nov. 8 through Saturday, Nov. 9 at Willie Nelson’s property ~45 minutes outside of Austin.
Friday’s highlights include a feature showing of “Honeysuckle Rose” with certain cast members in attendance. Plus, Amy Irving and special guests will perform a musical tribute.
On Saturday, expect an all-day marathon screening of “Lonesome Dove” and performances by songwriters James McMurty and John Moreland.
Here’s what else ticketholders can look forward to:
A whole room space heater. Save $30 on a small but mighty space heater with a focus on safety — it has tip-over protection, a cool touch case, and will automatically shut off if overheated.
Speaking of Willie Nelson... a mural of the Red Headed Stranger and Janis Joplin in Downtown Austin may be demolished, pending the Historic Landmark Commission’s decision next week. Read more details.
