Chap 1- Hx of WLH - Epis2 - Early Land Deals w/Rob Roy, Davenport and Bee Cave Auction

          Emmett Shelton, Sr. original developer of Westlake Hills recalls a number of first-hand stories about the early land deals of the western area of Westlake Hills, he referred to as the "Pennisula". Emmett tells of incidents with interesting characters like Rob Roy and other initial land deals. Emmett made a deal in 1929 to buy 500 acres of land from the Roy sisters for $4 an acre, but his check for the option payment bounced! 
          In 1932, the Ganno Ranch, on both sides of Bee Cave Road went up for auction, cash only. The Beard and Bullian families, and other Westlakers, worked together and each got nice parcels. Westlake got a store and a became a community.
            In 1941, the Bridge to Austin was underway and Emmett started building Westlake Drive north from Bee Cave Road. He worked with the Pierces for right-of-way and Westlake Hills was shaping-up!

Music by Emmett's son Polk Shelton

Stories told by Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) Recorded 1976
 

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Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.