Lost Austin

Images of America: Texas

by John H. Slate

Known to some as "Capitol City," "River City," and "Groover's Paradise," Austin is a diverse mix of university professors, students, politicians, musicians, state employees, artists, and both blue-collar and white-collar workers. The city is also home to the main campus of the University of Texas and several other universities. As Austin has grown to become more cosmopolitan, remnants of its small-town heritage have faded away. Austin's uniqueness--both past and present --is reflected in its food, architecture, historic places, music, and businesses. Many of these beloved institutions have moved on into history. While some are far removed in the mists of time, others are more recent and generate fond memories of good times and vivid experiences. Images of Lost Austin explores, through the collections of the Austin History Center and others, where Austinites once shopped, ate, drank, and played.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2012

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Anyone who has lived in Austin for any time will enjoy it. They cover a great range of places and things. Most books like this just focus on a few famous house but John Slate covers radio stations, TV shows, murals, children's parks, clubs, restaurants and of course the historical buildings.
I have bought one for myself and 4 for gifts.
I highly recommend it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know? Wheatsville Co-op is named after the freedmen's community founded post-Civil war; St. John's neighborhood is called that because a St. John Regular Missionary Baptist Association established it in the early 20th century; and there was once a prison in Austin that looked just like a beautiful (if rugged) stone castle.
Lost Austin may be lost but seeing the photos of these vanished landmarks is a brief education in Austin naming & history.

[Michael Alves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of locales dear to any true Austinite’s heart.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Someone once asked me how you know you're an Austinite, and I sarcastically replied that it's when a place you love is gone." (Dan Gentile, Editor, Thrillist Austin as published in Tribeza , August 2013 issue.

Anyone who has lived in Austin for more than a year has seen tremendous, often contentious, changes in the infrastructure which some feel have changed the city's culture for the worse. I suspect I fall in that category. An Austinite because this is Home and because the place I first fell in love with--am still in love with--is starting to disappear.

Reading this book is akin to reading a love letter for this city that so many adore and defend to any outsider who claims we are nothing special. It's looking back at the people and the institutions that created this community with a longing for them to still be here. It's true this city has never been perfect and it never will be. But, that doesn't change the love for it. If you consider yourself an Austinite--by the above or your own definition--I highly recommend this book.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully researched photographic guide to the Austin that used to be -- both in the distant and not-so-distant past.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love old stuff! This was the perfect companion for The Austin Wildsam Guidebook that I just read as well. Too bad Wildsam Austin is not in Good Reads yet : (

[Renee Cutchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Shared the pictures with my Memaw, she told stories about places featured. I love history and love my hometown -Austin, TX.