Our Westlake

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells us of the changes that came to Westlake Hills in the 1930s. Prohibition ended. Bee Cave Road was paved. Electricity came to the Bee Cave Road area. Mervin Ash was the King Pin of gamblers in Austin. He partnered with Emmett and brother Polk, to rehabilitate the old Moose Head Lodge (at the future site of County Line on the Hill). He invested in gambling equipment and fine food and the Nightclub was packed. Westlake's Las Vegas. #Countylineonthehill Music "Daddy's Dreams by Emmett's Son Polk Shelton III For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells one of his favorite tales - His first Westlake business and a birthday surprise. Emmett was 24, a recently married college graduate in 1929. He and several partners built the Moosehead Lodge - where County Line on the Hill is now located. It was in the hills - 8 miles from Austin, down the dirt road to Bee Caves and had no utilities. It was one of the first rock and mortar businesses in Westlake. In this story, Emmett Sr. tells how his birthday dinner with his partners on February 12, 1931 gave him a namesake and a life-long partner with his first son, Emmett, Jr. #emmettshelton #Austinhistory #Countylinerestaurantaustin For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2999) tells first-hand stories of two high-profile Murder trials in Austin, roughly 100 years age. Emmett's father, John E. Shelton, had a prominent criminal law firm in Austin with his four sons. In the 1920s, John E,'s Uncle H.C. Greer caught an ex-employee stealing from his feed store on So. Congress. The thief shot Uncle Greer and was charged with attempted murder. Uncle Greer lingered and then died without filing a statement, Dan Moody was a hot-headed prosecutor, and the case resulted in a mistrial. The second case shook Austin in 1933 - the tragic death of the young daughter of Belton mechanic Cal Yarborough. She was burned to death with gasoline and an insurance claim resulted an Cal's indictment. Mr. Bomer defend Cal and, Emmett assisted Cal had spent 6 months in jail before the trial and had a strong defense however, Emmett and Bomer tried to prepare Cal for prison time. Cal told Emmett "This jury cannot punish me at all." The jury returned a guilty verdict, and Cal was sentenced to 30 years. We appealed but Cal spent time at Huntsville prison. We won on appeal, but Cal had lost everything - his life was forever changed. Music: Theme song from Matlock For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Austin Democrat BUT like many Texans in 1952, Emmett became a 'Democrat for Eisenhower'. Emmett tells of hosting Ntl. War Hero, Gen. Clements, with over 100 dignitaries, at a BBQ to celebrate at Emmett's Westlake Hilltop home. Gen. Clements, and the others, were all big supporters of Gen. Eisenhower for President. Instead of switching to the Republican Party, Emmett leads the campaign by Central Tx Democrats for Ike. Ms. Davenport represented Republicans for Ike. Emmett tells the behind-he-scenes story of their successful bipartisan flatbed campaign in Central Texas for Gen. Eisenhower, a National Hero, roughly 100 years ago. #austinhistory #eisenhower #texashistory #shelton #texasdemocrats #davenport Music: Vote'em Out by Willie Nelson For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Democrat BUT like many Texans in 1952, Emmett became an 'Eisenhower Democrat'. In the 1950s, Central Texas had become liberal. Emmett was active in the Texas Democratic Party and Gov. Alan Shivers asked for Emmett's help to swing the leadership to the right for the Ntl. Democratic Convention but Emmett had pledged to Eisenhower. Instead, Emmett's friend Herman Heath went to the Republican Convention to push for Taft. Emmett tells back-room tales of the Texas State Democratic Convention in preparation for the National Dem. Convention in Chicago, including the list of local delegates. Governor's Convention in Amarillo later in the year did not support the Democratic nominee Adelaide Stevenson and instead did not endorse any candidate! As an alternative to Stevenson for Texas Democrats, Emmett organized Central Texas Dems for Eisenhower. Next Episode - In Ep3, instead of voting Republican, Emmett leads Central Texas Dems for Eisenhower with the help of Republican Eisenhower supporter, Ms. Davenport. Emmett tells the behind-the-scenes story of flatbed campaigning. #texashistory #austinhistory #texasdemocrats #eisenhower #alanshivers Music: "Vote'm Out" by Willie Nelson For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a life-long Austin Democrat BUT in 1952 Emmett became an 'Eisenhower Democrat'. In the 1952, Central Texas had become so liberal that Dems would not allow the conservative Gov. Shivers to be the Travis County delegate in the State Democratic Convention. Emmett was active in the Texas Democratic Party and Gov. Alan Shivers asked for Emmett's help. Emmett became Chair of the County Democratic Convention, and the Dems walked out. Emmett finalized the list of delegates to the upcoming National Dem. Convention in Chicago. Gov. Shivers offered Emmett a delegate spot but Emmett declined telling Gov. Shivers he planned to support Eisenhower. Next Episode - In Ep2, Emmett takes us to the backrooms in the Texas Democratic Convention and Governors Conference. It was the Texas Swing to the Right for Gen. Eisenhower. #texashistory #austinhistory #texasdemocrats #eisenhower #alanshivers Music: "Vote'm Out" by Willie Nelson For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) Tells an interesting tale of how Capt. Frank Hamer of the Texas Rangers addressed a bootlegger operating outside their Capitol window. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) shares first-hand stories involving Capt. Frank Hamer, Texas Ranger. Frank's brother, Capt. D.E. Hamer, was made head of the Texas Rangers when Ma Ferguson became Governor. Austin had a popular Skillball game. Emmett had to call on Capt. D.E Hamer to protect the games from extortion from a San Antonio gang. These were exciting times for Texas and Austinites, and the Texas Rangers kept a lid on a boiling pot. Emmett had many opportunities to visit with Capt. Frank Hamer. Frank's claim to fame was the killing of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. In a friendly moment, Emmett asked Frank if he was ever afraid. His answer is telling. #texasrangers #austinhistory #frankhamer For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) tells a tale about Texas Ranger, Capt. Frank Hamer, and how he became the Head Texas Ranger. It started at the Tx Border and continued with a racial uprising near Sherman that resulted in a lynching and burned courthouse.. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) shares an interesting law case from 1931. Texas Ranger, Capt. Frank Hamer, officed in the Capitol and uncovered a scheme by Austin's Gammell Bookstore to steal and sell Texas Session Acts. Emmett defended the Gammell Boys in court. They were guilty but, in a last-minute twist, they got off. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) shares first-hand stories of cases he represented involving Capt. Frank Hamer, Texas Ranger. Frank's claim to fame was the killing of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. In the 1930s, Capt. Frank Hamer officed in the Capitol during Prohibition. He arrested an Austin bootlegger within block of the Capitol. Emmett represented the bootlegger. The next tale is a case where Capt. Hamer took a lunchtime stroll down Congress Ave and unknowingly uncovered a scheme between the Sec. of State and Gammell's Book Store. One of the Gammell brothers Harry confessed but when asked to identify Harry, he pointed out the other bother John. This twist during the trial in identifying ended in the judge dismissing the case. Frank's brother, Capt. D.E. Hamer, was made head of the Texas Rangers when Ma Ferguson became Governor. Austin had a popular Skillball game and Capt. D.E Hamer protected the games from extortion from a San Antonio gang. Emmett had many opportunities to visit with Capt. Frank Hamer. Frank's claim to fame was the killing of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. In a friendly moment, Emmett asked Frank if he was ever afraid. His answer is telling. These were exciting times for Texas and Austinites, and the Texas Rangers kept a lid on a boiling pot. #texasrangers #austinhistory #frankhamer For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) tells how he worked in the late 1940s to have a bridge built between Austin and Westlake Hills. This would make Westlake accessible to the city. Petitions, BondIssues. Emmett's effort was successful and in 1949 the bridge opened but went nameless until 1989. On On Emmett's 85th birthday -- the City of Austin gave him the great honor of lifetime achievement by naming the bridge the "Emmett Shelton Bridge". We had a grand party! For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells us the story of securing the land for the Dam site in 1938. After LBJs election to Congress in in 1938, LBJ told Emmett that the WPA was planning to rehabilitate all the dams on the Colorado River, including the Austin Dam which had been broken for 28 years. Emmett made a deal to buy the land on the western shore where the dam would be built. His brother Polk had some diamonds they used as collateral. He re-sold the property to the City within 6 months of LBJ's election. Emmett worked out another deal between out-of-town investors and Austin officials. Finally, in 1940, after 30 years without a dam, the Tom Miller Dam was operating. #Austinhistory #Emmettshelton #westlakehills For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) Original developer of Westlake Hills, tells of a tip Emmett got from LBJ in1938 regarding the upcoming rehabilitation of the dams on the Colorado River. The Austin Dam had been broken for almost 30 years. LBJ advised Emmett of the WPA and plans to renovate the damns all up and down the Colorado River for flood control. Obviously, it would also make the currently flood-proned land, usable and valuable. Emmett tells of his purchase of almost 3,000 acres of the Roy Ranch property. The future of Westlake Hills was set. Note: Emmett had a long-standing relationship with LBJ. He was a few years ahead of LBJ at Southwest Texas State in the '20s. And in 1935, Emmett's older brother, Polk, had challenged LBJ in the primary for US Congress. Emmett was Polk's campaign manager. Music: Daddys Dream by Polk Shelton, Emmett's son #austinhistory #westlakehills For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton Sr.'s son Polk Shelton shares a medley of his original tunes for the Austin radio station around 2000. Emmett Shelton Sr. raised Polk in Westlake. Polk followed his father's footsteps into criminal law in Austin. However, his real love was writing songs and playing music with his friends - especially at Austin's historic Saxon Pub. Sending Love from the Shelton Family! #polkshelton Music Written and Performed by Polk Shelton For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense attorney for some of Austin's most notorious hustlers and shares first-hand tales from roughly 100 years ago, The Depression years brought out the hustlers who were looking for a quick buck. Emmett represented one such gambler who turned his talent into a legend. Sgt. Posie Hill (future co-owner of Hills Cafe) was an expert dice player in east Austin in the 1930s. In WWII, he was stationed in Honolulu. In one night, he won $30k in a gambling house (2024 value $565,500). When he got back to Austin, Posie used the winnings to partner with Charles Goodnight in Hill's Cafe on South Congress. Posie created a South Austin landmark with his talent. Many Austinites have lifelong memories of events in their lives that wouldn't have been the same without Hill's Cafe. Thanks Posie #austingamblers #austinhistory #austinhillscafe Music: "In the Danger Zone" by Emmett's son, Polk Shelton For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton. Tags: Austin historyHills Cafe. Emmett SheltonAustin Gamblers For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton, Sr. tells of his partnership with Sterling Holloway in developing the High Road and Trail of Madrones, making the Westlake Highlands accessible. Emmett also tells of riding horseback from where the County Line Restaurant is now located, to seal the deal with an investor the Bull Mountain property. Keep in mind, there were no roads in the Highlands at that time, no Pennybacker Bridge, no Loop 360, no Toro Canyon - just Westlake Drive. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this Episode, Emmett tells stories of his partnership with Sterling Holloway and putting in Toro Canyon Road and paving extensions of Westlake Drive. Emmett and his wife Joyce worked with Malcolm Fox to develop the Fast Fox and Slow Turtle Subdivisions. They had to fight the city over their 1 acre minimum lot size. The Shelton's won and the community benefited. Music: Daddy's Dream by Emmett's Son Polk Shelton #austinhistory #Westlake Hills Texas For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this episode, Emmett tells stories of working with Johnny Mussleman and Johnny's vision to develop the Westlake/Red Bud Corner. Johnny truly contributed to completing Emmett's Dream of Westlake Hills. Emmett closes this episode with a reflection about the spirit of the dealings that Emmett and Joyce had with their business partners. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) rounds out the Chapter on developing the Westlake Peninsula with a first-hand story of the sale of the 1,000 acre Davenport Ranch in the 1940s. Nobody knew exactly where the boundaries were, but Emmett owned the surrounding ranches. Emmett traces this history back to 1840 when the Walsh family bought it to mine lime. Later, owners harvested cedar. In the 1940s, Emmett took Ms. Davenport out to the property with an asking price of $40 an acre. Ms. D was an oil-heiress from the Valley and the asking price was about one month's royalties. She planned to raise brahma cattle. He pointed out to four corners of the 1,000 acres and she sealed the deal with a little whiskey that day. Ms. D contributed to the colorful nature of Westlake for many years. NOTE: In the 1950s, Ms. Davenport became active in Campaigning for Texas Republicans for Eisenhower. Emmett led the Dems for Eisenhower. Emmett shares several colorful stories about the campaign in our Chapter on Politics. For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.