Our Westlake
Austin/Westlake/Texas - Roughly 100 Years Ago. As told by Emmett Shelton Sr.(1905-2000). He was the Original Developer of Westlake Hills, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Political Operative and popular local Storyteller.
Our Westlake
Chap.1 - Hx of WLH - Epis. 3 - Making Deals for Westlake Drive and Dam Site
Emmett Shelton, Sr. tells of stories of acquiring the land for Westlake Drive. Anticipating the renovation of the dam, Emmett bought the Stroder Tract at $10 an acre which he thought included the dam site. They financed the sale with family diamonds as collateral. Emmett worked with the City of Austin in a colorful twist of land deals Emmett made for the City to secure the adjacent land.
Emmett includes an intriguing tale of possible evidence of a Ben Thompson visit in Westlake Hills in the 1850s. In a twist at the end, city tax officials help Emmett make Westlake Hills one step closer to a reality.
Music by Polk Shelton, Emmett's son
Recorded by Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) in 1976
For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.