Our Westlake

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) tells of expanding Westlake Drive to the Westlake Highlands and building Toro Canyon. In the 1940s, there was no Pennybacker Bridge or Loop 360 to provide access to this area. One old abandoned Land Grant in Westlake caught Emmett's attention. He got possession of the 500 acres by claiming and gating it for 10 years and protecting it from trespassers

Emmett Shelton, Sr. shares a very interesting first-hand story about a tip he got from Lyndon B Johnson in the 1930s that encouraged his interest in developing Westlake Hills. Emmett knew the Roy Sisters were schoolteachers in Houston and had over 1,800 acres. Emmett negotiated with them at $4 an acre. It was north of Bee Cave Road to the river. He shares colorful stories of his cr

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. When Emmett got his law license, the Depression was on. On credit, he bought 120 acres of property way out on the Bee Cave Road on a hill that is now the home of the County Line Restaurant. He began working to clear the land and build a clubhouse. One day, his stone mason Earl Short told Emmett all the lan

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) opens this Chapter as he and his wife, Joyce, expand their work in Westlake Hills to the north and west. There were no roads between Bee Cave Road and the River. No Pennybacker Bridge, No Loop 360. Their new range covered the entire Westlake Peninsula. In Episode 1, Emmett describes the territory in the 1930-40, access to Austin, existing roads, and

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this Episode, Emmett shares the story of the initial development of the Bull Mountain area. Abe Bull, of Austin Ntl Bank, came to Emmett offering to sell the family's 160 acre Bull Mountain tract of land for $500/acre. The nearest roads were the High Road and Trail of Madrones. Emmett took the offer to

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) is the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. In this Episode, Emmett tells of two high-finance land deals involved in selling these two picturesque mountain tops. The Bull family had offered to sell Emmett their 160 acres of Mountain overlooking the lake and City of Austin. There were no roads except the High Road but Emmett saw the opportunity - and

Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) was the Original Developer of Westlake Hills. He recorded his history of the area to share with the community, even after he was gone. In this Episode, Emmett tells stories about the Chambers Survey which composes the Central part of Westlake Hills - Old Stonehedge. He paid $2,000 for 500 acres. The oldest house was built by the Navarro family in 187

Emmett Shelton, Sr, (1905-2000) tells of the challenges and reward in the sale of Mt. Stroder, more commonly known as Putnam's Hill. Prof. Mckorkell, from UT bought the tract for $3,000 in 1949. Emmett tells first-hand tales of building the Lakeshore Addition for access to the lake. Ike Young's still had been operating on the lake and a revenue agent had been killed. It is home to

Thirty-five years after the Korean War, Gen. Charlie Cooper reflects on his time in the Korean War to his B-1-5 Company men at their first Reunion in 1989. The all-expense paid, Atlantic city Reunion was hosted by Lt. Pat McGahn (B-1-5) who was then, Donald Trump's lawyer. Lt. Charlie Cooper came to the B Company battlefield in April 1951, as a replacement commander straight from A

Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells of the history of the efforts to develop the central area of Westlake Hills around Red Bud Trail. In the early 40s, the lake was very active with Riverboats and races. Locals built the Yacht Club on the Lake by Bee Creek. Emmett focused his efforts on abstracting the land around Central Westlake and building access to the lake. The City made a n