The Pemberton Journal
The Pemberton Journal O fficial Publication
of
Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association
August 2012, Vol VI, Issue VIII
Betty Trent, AIA LEED AP For those of you who would like to remember the good old days in Austin, the year 1935 was not so kind. After a record 20 inches of rain, a devastating flood destroyed the original Austin Dam. In addition, as Pemberton Heights was being developed during the depression of the '30s, the Owners advertised our neighborhood’s “beautiful Castle must be sold at once”. Originally costing $16,000, the Owners were willing to sell for $8,000. Despite these two tragedies, Austin would prosper and other homes would continue to be built ensuring the area would become one of Austin’s best neighborhoods. A few additional facts about life during the early 30’s include: • Average cost of new house $3,450.00 • Average wages per year $1,600.00 • Average cost for house rent $22.00 per month • A gallon of gas cost 10 cents • A loaf of bread cost 8 cents • A pound of hamburger meat cost 11 cents • Average new car cost $625.00 • A ladies swimming costume cost $6.95 While the area was being subdivided and new homes being built, the following events were happening nationwide: • Fred Astair’s Cheek to Cheek spent 18 weeks as number 1 on the charts
Come and Meet Your Neighbors! Neighborhood Lunch Meeting: Tuesday, August 28 11:45. At Russell’s on Kerbey Lane Please join us for a casual monthly lunch to meet your neighbors, old and new, learn about neighborhood activities, and discuss area concerns. We are changing the date for the August lunch to include those who have had difficulty making the Wednesday date. We hope this change attracts more of our neighbors to come and exchange ideas and information. We welcome all neighbors, especially new neighbors! Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
• Unemployment was running about 20% nationwide • First canned beer goes on sale • Parker Brothers releases the board game Monopoly • Penguin produces the first paperback books • Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Pacific • The China Clipper makes the first Pacific Airmail delivery • The great Labor Day Category 5 Hurricane with winds approaching 185 mph strikes Florida Keys on September 2nd • President Roosevelt signs the Revenue Act, often referred to as the Wealth Tax Act • President Roosevelt signs the US Social Security Act, providing unemployment compensation and pensions for the elderly. • Eugene Schueller, a French Chemist, invents the first sunscreen, he went on to found the L’Oreal Line of Cosmetics. • BBC starts the first public television broadcasts in London • The National Basketball League (NBL) was created by three corporations: General Electric, Firestone and Goodyear.
AUGUST DISCUSSION TOPICS: Safety and Historic District Issues in Pemberton Heights We have invited representatives from Austin Police Department to answer questions and discuss issues relating to safety in our neighborhood. We will also be discussing proposed revisions to the application process for historic zoning COST: Each attendee pays for their own lunch by separate check. CONTACT: Betty Trent at betty@austinarchplus.com to rsvp, however you are welcome to come without rsvp, just look for us at the table with a PHNA sign. The Pemberton Journal - August 2012
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