Our Neighborhood Area Attractions and History
We welcome articles about interesting aspects of our neighborhood that can be posted on this website. Send them to HPWBANA-owner@yahoogroups.com or contact the webmaster.
ARTICLE LIST
Parks and Natural Areas
Bright Leaf Natural Area background
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Perry Park History of quarry - link to article by local student
Perry Park / Playground background
Perry Park - Outdoor Learning Center sign dedicated to Chad Wiman
Perry Park - A book about the history of Highland Park area, including the school and the quarry, was written by Mike Cox titled Limestone to Bricks: a History of Highland Park Elementary School. It was published in 2002 to commemorate Highland Park's 50th Anniversary. Excerpts from the book were/are are being reprinted with the approval of the author in our newsletter starting with the Oct 2005 publication. View our newsletters online.
Green Space Improvements
Museums
Other interesting information
Westfield Drive: Austin's First Parade of Homes, September 20-27, 1953
All images and information contained in this website are property of HPWBANA and may not be used for any purpose without prior consent of HPWBANA.
Last updated on 04/28/2006
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Camp Mabry
Camp Mabry
Texas Military Forces Museum website link
(article date 6-10-04)
Camp Mabry is an active military facility area spanning over 400 acres within our neighborhood boundaries that serves as an active infantry division of the Texas National Guard. Over 800 people are currently employed there in various offices including:
Headquarters of the Texas
Air National Guard
Headquarters Armory of the 36th Infantry Division
Texas State Guard
United States Property and Fiscal Office
Texas National Guard Armory Board
The Texas Military Forces Museum (volunteer based)
Texas Military Forces Library and Archive and Flag Repository
An All-Faiths Chapel
A PX
A clinic
A parachute packing and storage facility
Supply and warehouse facilities
Camp Mabry was established in 1892 and the history here is lengthy. The Camp Mabry website and Texas Military Forces Museum are definitely worth exploring to get an overview of the varied military activity of Texas National Guard and Camp Mabry over the years. The facility is extremely rich in history with the military activity spanning several wars.
Over time our community developed surrounding most of Camp Mabry. Various aspects of the facility are made available to the public at certain times, such as:
Texas Military Forces Museum
The Texas Military Forces Museum is on the Camp Mabry grounds and is open to the public. Check the Camp Mabry website for hours of operation information (normally Wednesday-Sunday 10-4). The museum is fairly large capturing the history of all major Texas National Guard units. Exhibits exist for the various wars and military conflicts, numerous artifacts, enemy equipment, and honor to heroes and lost solders and many special exhibits. An outdoor exhibit features military tanks and vehicles. The jets and helicopters on display next to MoPac are also part of the museum collection. These are decorated with lights during the Christmas season.
Muster Days
Camp Mabry has been sponsoring the annual Muster Days event for over 30 years. It is usually held in the 1st weekend of October. This two day event allows the public to become familiar with the history and specific areas of Camp Mabry. Events include:
A Parade of Armor
Historical reenactments, educational presentations of military battles, to
include living history programs
Fly-Overs from jets, helicopters, and WW2 aircraft
A WW2 Battle reenactment is the highlight on Sunday afternoon
Vehicle rides at the museum
And of course, food and beverages are available.
Texas History in Stained Glass
The Texas Military Forces Museum sponsors this program for school tours and for groups of 25 or more at the All-Faith Chapel, by appointment only through the museum office.
Walking Tour
A walking tour of historic Camp Mabry was developed to encourage exploring the historical facility in more detail. The various buildings along with the history are noted. The pamphlet is available in the Texas Military Forces Museum.
Recreation and Nature
There is a large recreational running track that is available for use by the public. There are also two ponds on the grounds that can be fished and a picnic area. You will need a valid fishing/hunting license to fish along with getting a permit from Camp Mabry for a small fee. Go to Building 1 to purchase the permit. Contact Camp Mabry to check access information. There are also deer that live in the large wooded areas of the facility.
Access:
Access to Camp Mabry is restricted with appropriate security set for current times. The entire facility is fenced with multiple gates, some of which are closed. Call or check their website for access information. Access normally requires picture identification.
HPWBANA extends a generous thank you to John C. L. Scribner, Command Historian/Museum Director for review of and input to this article.
By N. Morning
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Perry Playground Park
More information on the Friends of Perry Park Page
Perry Playground Park is the only official City of Austin Park within our area boundaries. It is next to Highland Park Elementary so is used frequently by children in the area but is often enjoyed by adults and their pets. It is also used by the neighborhood association and PTA for various events.
The park contains two large areas with playground equipment, a large soccer/baseball field, a kid size soccer field located by the big playground, a running trail, trails through a natural area, two tennis courts, a basketball hoop, picnic tables, a pavilion for gatherings, natural geological aspects (it was once a quarry) and drinking fountains.
It is maintained by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department with help from Highland Park Elementary. Many of the improvements over the years were initiated, funded and coordinated by interested residents. Major improvements that resulted from resident involvement and contributions include resurfacing the tennis court and installation of the running trail and an irrigation system. The playground equipment was donated by the school's PTA. This is significant because the playground area has many amenities that are not typically found at AISD schools. Some improvements were the results of hard work by local Eagle Scout candidate such as the development and marking of the natural trails, installation of picnic tables, and planting of some of the trees.
A current project involves investigation of permanently repairing and improving the running trail which has degraded over time due to erosion is some places. Another current project is the study by the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the adequacy of the lighting of the tennis courts. Improvements to the woods area has occurred with many non-native plant removal efforts. A Friends of Perry Park group was started to help identify various possible improvements to the park and help implement them.
Access: The parking lot for Perry Playground Park is behind Highland Park Elementary School, on Fairview Dr. (Note: This area of Fairview is a one way going south due to child safety concerns.)
By N. Morning
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Sign Located in Perry Park
"Highland Park Elementary Outdoor Learning Center
Dedicated to the memory of Chad Wiman"
Chad Wiman, 1971-1985
A sign remembering Highland Park Scottie Chad Wiman is the only remnant of Perry Park's Outdoor Learning Center. Classmate Derek Day built the learning center in 1988 as an Eagle Scout project and dedicated it to Chad's memory.
Chad died in an auto-pedestrian collision on Koenig Lane in 1985, the summer between his class finishing Lamar Junior High and entering McCallum High School. Chad would have graduated from McCallum in 1989. Chad and his parents, Janet and Bill Wiman, lived on Perry Lane.
- Alana Mallard
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Bright Leaf Natural
Area Background
Bright
Leaf Website (article
date 5-30-04)
Bright Leaf State Natural Area is a wonderful 217 acre area of natural land that resides within our neighborhood boundaries. It was donated to the State of Texas by Georgia Lucas in 1995. Her will stipulates that the area should remain in a minimally developed state. Her residence remains there as the Lucas Conference Center, along with many trails. Check out the Bright Leaf Website for more specific information about the area. Texas Park and Wildlife is in the process of transferring the preserve back to the Austin Community Foundation.
The Friends of Bright Leaf organization is a very active local group of volunteers dedicated to conserving and enhancing Bright Leaf. They coordinate many events, provide educational information and provide a great way to get involved and enjoy the area. The created and support the Bright Leaf website where information on events and access can be found.
Entrances: The area is officially "Closed Pending Development" but access to the area is possible through many various activities. Two main entrances exist and both are gated. The main entrance is off 2222, turn on Creek Mountain Road and continue until you see the green gate/parking lot. The second entrance is located at the corner of Crestway and Monte Vista. This entrance leads to the Lucas Conference Center. At one time several neighborhood paths existed that connected to the main trails in Bright Leaf but these entrances have been (will be) fenced off over time.
Access: Docents lead regular guided hikes on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month and there are frequent activities coordinated Friends of Bright Leaf. Check out their website to get involved.
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Brief history of various
medians/green spaces in our neighborhood:
More information is on the
Beautification Committee Page
Beverly Skyline median - large circular median
Forty to fifty years ago neighbors near this median decided to maintain this large area. They pooled money for a sprinkler system and installed it themselves. It was connected to a city water line (public median) and controlled by the neighbors. Neighbors planted various trees and plants and grasses over the years along with mowing and fertilizing at times. The sprinkler system is used to keep the grass alive during dry periods. At some time the city starting maintaining the median on an approximate 24 day mowing cycle. There are times when the mowing cycle is inadequate, but overall the median has a very cared for appearance. It has been used as a space for neighborhood gatherings.
Foothill Terrace median - a large crescent shaped median
About fifty years ago this crescent shaped area was a mount of dirt in the street area. Neighbors in the area contacted the city to curb the area and install a water source/meter in return for maintaining the area. For decades neighbors have taken care of the area by planting many of the large plants that grow there today and keeping the plants alive during the hot seasons. The HPWBANA beautification committee and the boy scouts teamed together in 2004 and added more landscaping to the area and make the space more easily maintainable. A local resident donated a very large oak tree to the center of the median the following year. Although it is city property, it is maintained by the neighborhood.
Ridge Oak Triangle - large triangular median at Ridge Oak Dr/Lake View Dr
This green space is over 1.5 acres in size and was dedicated to public use over fifty years ago. It is maintained by the city but is not an official park as identified by the City of Austin PARD. At times neighbors have maintained the area by mowing the grass. Years ago a backstop and a drinking fountain were installed but they were eventually damaged or removed. The area remains in its natural state with grasses and trees and is a popular spot for deer. The HPWBANA beautification committee started working with residents in the area in early 2003 to make improvements. Boy scouts planted more trees to add beauty and shade and rocks were placed to prevent vehicles from driving on the area and tearing up the grass.
Balcones/Parkcrest median - a small triangular median
For years this small median was untended and overgrown with Johnson grass as it was on an approximately 24 day mowing rotation by the city. Various business and residents mowed it at times and picked up trash that was frequently deposited from passing traffic on this very busy intersection. In the spring of 2003 the HPWBANA beautification committee worked with businesses, the city of Austin PARD and Keep Austin Beautiful to landscape the area with native Texas plants.
Hancock Bridge area landscape - on the corner of Hancock Dr and W Frances Pl
In late 2004 a resident living close to this area initiated a project through the beautification committee to landscape the corner and add some native trees. The landscape contains native-Texas plants that are drought tolerant and low maintenance. A sidewalk to replace the worn pathway was submitted to the city and is classified as a low priority project. Water is provided by a resident next to the area.
Ridge Oak Reservoir - 4500 Ridge oak Dr
The Ridge Oak reservoir overlooks Bright Leaf and wonderful scenic views of the west Austin. Friends of Bright Leaf had concerns about the non-native plants reseeding the preserve. In 2005 large non-native plant removal efforts were initiated that involved two workdays and many hours by the Water Utility department to remove the problem plants. The wide open views are enjoyed by the many neighbors in the area who visit the Ridge Oak Reservoir. The area also contains a wooded area with small trails.
By N. Morning
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Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria is a member of the Austin Museum Partnership and is the original home of the Austin Museum of Art. Is it located on W 35th street and so is very easy to get to from our neighborhood. There is a lot of history there and the area is enjoyed by many residents.
You can tour the historic home of Clara Driscoll who built the Italian style Driscoll Villa in 1916. The Villa was recently renovated and houses various art exhibits. There are 12 acres of grounds containing wonderful gardens and outdoor sculpture. Many events are held here, both public and private. It is also home to the The Art School where over 400 classes of various topics are offered to both adults and children. Check out their website for more information - Laguna Gloria.
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Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Austin Parks and Recreation - Mayfield Park webpage
This park is located on 3505 W 35th Street, next to Laguna Gloria. It is a wonderful 23 acre park and preserve which includes the Mayfield-Gutsch House and Gardens. It is named after Allison Mayfield who purchased the property in 1901. Allison Mayfield was the Texas Secretary of State (1894-1896) and then the Texas Railroad Commissioner (1896-1922).
The beautiful park is open to the public and is home to numerous peacocks that roam the grounds and sit in the trees. There are also five large lily ponds and many small gardens tended by individuals and families. Trails are available to walk the grounds to easily explore the native plants and trees. Picnic tables are also available. Note that dogs are not allowed in this park.
Mayfield Park is cared for by Austin Park and Recreation and volunteers. The historic cottage is popular to rent for gatherings.
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Mount Bonnell and Covert Park
Mount Bonnell is very popular city attraction very close to our neighborhood area. It is over 780 feet high and is famous for its panoramic views. Here you can see areas of Austin, the Loop 360 Bridge, Lake Austin and Cat Mountain.
The highest point is a short hike from the road either by steps (just over 100 steps) or a stone pathway. Take a picnic and explore this great area. Be sure to lock you car!
There is no entrance fee and a curfew exists (from 9pm to 4 am - note signs). The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and volunteers care for the area.
AboutAustin.com has more information on Mount Bonnell along with pictures.
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Westfield Drive: Austin's First Parade of Homes, September 20-27, 1953
By Charles Riou with excerpts from the American-Statesman, Sept. 20, 1953
Dateline 1953: Dr. Jonas Salk successfully tests the polio vaccine; Elizabeth II is crowned Queen of England; John F. Kennedy weds Jacqueline Bouvier; Dwight Eisenhower is President, Richard Nixon Vice President; average income is $4,233, a new car $2,635, a loaf of bread $0.16, a gallon of gas $0.29, a gallon of milk $0.23, a first-class stamp $0.03, minimum wage $0.75/hr.
In Austin the Night Hawk Frisco Shop opens on the northern edge of town, and the city's first Parade of Homes is held September 20-27 on Westfield Drive in Highland Village. Featuring 19 modern "homes of tomorrow," the show's admission was $0.25 per person. In the words of Clyde Copus, president of the sponsoring Austin Home Builders Association, the Parade of Homes was conceived by 19 Austin builders "to show the folks of Austin and Central Texas what they can expect in home design, construction and furnishings in 1954."
The American-Statesman ran a special 50-page section about the Parade of Homes, including an aerial photo of Highland Village pre-MoPac and with an open field between W. Frances Place and Bull Creek Road.
Following are the names of homes and their builders as published in the 1953 Statesman:
4803 Westfield: "The House of Color" FOR EASY LIVING built by W. L. Mayfield uses hollow brick, jalousied windows and doors set in redwood panels. . . . Robert E. Mitchell of Shanks-Meyers decorated the house of color and what color it is! Glowing and rich, the interior wins a gasp of approval from every viewer. Hues of green are vibrant in the living-dining room. Walls of deep olive green are enhanced by the tweedy greens in the carpet.
4805 Westfield: "The Rustic Contemporary" RUSTIC CHARM - The Frank C. Barron entry was intended to blend with the natural background of Highland Village, and does. A white ledge stone flower bed extending into the house itself aids to the impression, as do other features such as the Anderson type windows and cedar shakes. An unusual feature of the Barron built house is the 30 foot long storage closet extending the entire length of the corridor.
4807 Westfield: THE COMFORTMAKER built by S. R. Sheppard, who decided that air conditioning is a problem for moderate income families. It's designed for maximum comfort and minimum cost weatherwise, that is. Savings due to the construction and layout will amount to more than $8 monthly. The exterior . . . is Arkansas ledgestone and brown cedar shakes. Insulation, overhang and arrangement are such that the maximum performance from the summer-winter air conditioning system can be achieved.
4808 Westfield: CREOLE TOUCH - The "New Orleans" by the B. N. Holman Company, shows tasteful blending of Louisiana charm with the Texas weather and terrain. . . . Use of aluminum foil enabled the builder to make the house comfortable with only a two ton air conditioning unit.
4809 Westfield: Comal Lumber/R.L. Struhal Jr./Shirley White. Appropriately named "House of Wood." Oak floors, African-mahogany doors and panels, surfwood panels and birch cabinets and wood type windows serve to well establish its name. The L-shaped house . . . opens onto a cool Texas-style patio.
4810 Westfield: THE CHUPIK, built by Newhall Construction Company, was named after the manufacturer of its door cabinets, windows and trim. A "touch-plate lighting system" with a central panel gives single control of all or individual lights both inside and out. When Newhall explained the features of "The Chupik," he sounded more like a top-flight public relations man or a salesman. "Air conditioning? Why?" was his answer to the question. . . . He explained that his multi-windowed living room offers "indoor-outdoor living." Built in an L-shape, the big rooms open off onto a grass-covered patio. In traditional Texas style the patio features a large barbecue pit in the outer corner.
4811 Westfield: "The Texan" EASY AND INFORMAL - This home was built by H. T. Baker. The big breezy structure features ledgestone, cedar shakes and redwood trim with a four foot vented overhang all around the house for protection against the hot Texas sun. The arrangement has the big living-dining area looking off into a terrace, and the kitchen and breakfast nook are divided by a built-in bar topped by glass paneling.
4812 Westfield: "The Aladdin Home" A RUGGED BEAUTY BLEND - The unique combination of Southwestern ledgestone and Texas rough pine siding in the exterior of this home built by O. H. Pool and R. K. Redfearn not only assures low maintenance upkeep but lends a delightful appearance of rugged durability with smooth flowing lines. The one inch thick rough pine siding soaks up enough paint at one painting to last for at least 10 years. The home is fully air conditioned. Pool and Redfearn have eliminated the ugly water tower for the air conditioning unit through the use of a fish pond in the rear of the home and 10 sprays in the center of the pond.
4900 Westfield: COMBINATION - The combination material exterior of this comfortable home named "Palacio" by Leland R. Wilson, includes four types of material, Arkansas ledgestone, cedar shakes, asbestos siding and V siding. One feature of "Palacio" is super closet space. The home includes no less than eight closets.
4902 Westfield: "The Parkland Home" HOME FOR LITTLE PEOPLE - This compact, attractive home was designed and built by H. B. Clagett. Although this home was designed for families with small children, there is nothing in its living room furnishings to suggest concession to practicality over beauty. The "zebra" sofa, so-called because of its striking black and white fabric, and the well designed lounge chairs in turquoise are effective foils for the cinnamon walls, draperies and carpets. Other color accents in the room are paprika and red.
4903 Westfield: "The American" CENTRAL LIVING, constructed by Engineer Jack Andrewartha, features carpeting, cork and hardwood flooring. Decorated in the Early American tradition but planned for modern living with the kitchen on the front, large living-dining area on the back, opening onto a patio of exposed aggregate concrete through 10 foot sliding glass doors. Kitchen features 1954 Youngstown cabinets for the first time in Austin. . . . A cork floor, provincial paper in brown, white and yellow, accessories in milk glass and brass, all contribute to the pleasing effect of uniting the Early American pine group with the latest in kitchen appliances.
4905 Westfield: PATTONBILT -This Lometa stone and cedar shake home is one of the newest of ranch style homes. It was designed by H. D. Powers and built by Andrew S. Patton, an Austin builder who has constructed 130 homes here ranging from $5,000 to $65,000 with an average of $18,000 to $20,000. The large combination dining and living room is shown at the front of the home, just off the spacious porch. Colors here are earthy; colors in the adjoining living room are pastel and luxurious.
4906 Westfield: Ned Cole Bridges Furniture Co. "THE FORCASTER" - Fabricon had an eye to the future. It uses a great number of manufactured parts to expedite building for economical reasons. The walls were built first, then the rooms were formed by use of Fabricon wall storage units, wall panels and doors. Completely finished even to the painting, these units simply slide into their predetermined places when they are needed. The patio presents an ideal view from the living room and includes a large planter area, screened from view of the street. There are two baths, one complete with a washer and drier - a complete laundry in the most convenient room for it.
4907 Westfield: "The Bel-Air" REDWOOD AND STONE - Nash Phillips-Copus Company used the unique Roman-cut Leander limestone and natural redwood for the exterior. Combined with glass and an open latticework onto the patio, the materials give both sturdiness and a feeling of openness to the home. The fireplace is a unique, three-way arrangement for indoor-outdoor living.
4909 Westfield: "Happy Living" Nelson Puete A DISTINCTIVE RANCH STYLE HOME - Ingenious use of Smith stone and colored asbestos siding with Canadian fir outside trim gives a distinct and pleasing appearance to this home built by Walter R. Carrington.
4911 Westfield: "The Rainbow Ledgestone" Bob Andrews/Eric Johnson UNIQUE EXTERIOR - The A and A Building Company's parade home is furnished on the outside with Rainbow Canyon ledgestone and cedar shake. What makes it unusual is the cutting of the ledgestone like cutstone. Its builders say this is the first time to their knowledge that ledgestone has been used in this manner.
5000 Westfield: CONVENTIONAL DESIGN - Concentration upon home comport features the FHA house which is the entry of W. H. Bullard. The exterior is of ledgestone, cedar shakes and No. 105 wood siding.
5001 Westfield: "RESTFUL HOUSE" - That's the title selected by C. Ben Hibbets for his dream house entry. While it is really a show place, it is only one of many fine custom built homes Hibbetts has constructed here. . . . Room effects are quiet and comfortable, and any observant housewife can see the house was designed for ease in housekeeping.
5003 Westfield: BLENDS WITH TERRAIN - Emphasis was placed on conformity of house design and the lot by E. L. Caruthers Construction in entering "The Coronet." The three bedroom, two bath house features a corner chimney of Arkansas ledgestone. The roomy yet compact "Coronet" features an unusually shaped glass porch-den which in itself has 250 square feet of floor space. Builder Caruthers selected knotted pine cabinets for the roomy kitchen, which is all electric with dishwasher and disposal unit.
Home Parade Picks Winners
Outstanding homes judged in four major categories were named Saturday by the judges of Austin's Parade of Homes. Nash Phillips-Copus' "Bel-Air" was selected as the home of best exterior architectural design. "The American," built by Jack Andrewartha, was named as home of best functional design-interior arrangement of rooms with relation to one another. "The Restful House," built by C. Ben Hibbets, was considered to have demonstrated the best use of Materials. And "Happy Living," built by Nelson Puette and Associates, was selected as the best economy house. Members of the judging committee were Harwell Hamilton Harris, director, University of Texas school of architecture; Mrs. Peter W. Baker, Jr., president, Violet Crown Garden Club; and Wilson H. Brown, president of the Dallas Home Builders Association. . . . Brown, a member of the National Home Builders Association Board for the past eight years, said: "Austin's Parade of Homes is undoubtedly the best I've seen during my eight years inspecting Parade of Homes shows over the nation." He did not exclude his home city of Dallas which also features an annual home show. Brown commended Austin's builders for "their ingenuity and for a first class merchandising job." He predicted the impact of the Parade of Homes show would be felt in Austin's building industry for the next 12 months. The judges all commented on the excellence of the outdoor living areas. They pointed out the importance of this feature because of the "nine-months' outdoor living season in Texas."