Built during a period of segregation in Austin, the Calhoun House still stands as a pillar of East Austin and house of history in Austin. The city honored that
Built during a period of segregation in Austin, the Calhoun House still stands as a pillar of East Austin and house of history in Austin. Built during a period of segregation in Austin, the Calhoun House still stands as a pillar of East Austin and house of history in Austin.
The city honored that legacy back in December, approving the home as a historic landmark. Patricia Calhoun, whose parents, T.C. and Thelma Calhoun, transformed their home on Givens Avenue into a safe haven during segregation, shared her thoughts on the honor. "It's a recognition," she said, highlighting "the significance of the community and the contributions that black citizens have made to this city." Growing up in East Austin, Calhoun said, "it was a real community," during a time when "businesses and certain entertainment areas, restaurants, theaters, that sort of thing, were not accessible to Blacks at that time," she said because of segregation. Public lodging was another of those accesses not available to Black Americans in Austin, so the Calhouns opened their home to travelers.The home, moved into in the 60s Calhoun recalls, featured multiple bedrooms and spaces for living, lounging, and dining.Built during a period of segregation in Austin, the Calhoun House still stands as a pillar of East Austin and house of history in Austin. This practice of opening their home to travelers wasn't new for the Calhouns. Patricia Calhoun says they housed people in their previous home on Cotton Street. "Because of this constant people coming, and then there's family," said Calhoun, "My dad built up and added a story, but just a room that could be a gathering place or it could serve as a sleeping area and a shower." The landmark status of the Calhoun House was achieved with the help of Preservation Austin, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving historical spaces. Meghan King-Namour, policy and outreach planner for Preservation Austin, expressed joy in celebrating with Patricia Calhoun, saying, "We have such a deep relationship with Pat especially, so it was just great to be able to celebrate with her and yeah, get her over the finish line." When she first learned of the honor, Calhoun said she, "never would I have thought a number of years ago of this taking place." Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison described the Calhoun House as "a place that represents black excellence, a place that represents resilience, a place that represents a future that's brighter than anybody could have dreamed of." She also said, "not only does it contain the history of civil rights activism in Austin, Texas, from the past, but it maintains in the present." Years ago, Patricia Calhoun moved back into her parents' home. When asked why she moved back to Austin, she simply said, "I've not really sat down to put into words or create a thought process in terms of why, except that it is home." Looking ahead to the future of the Calhoun House, Patricia Calhoun says there are plans and ideas being tossed around.She ultimately sees the home as a symbol of "the resiliency and the creativity that is found in the African American community."Small Business Administration says billions of dollars in fraud was found in California Small Business Administrationadministrator Kelly Loeffler said Friday that the agency suspended over 111,000 California borrowers due to suspected fraud.A prescribed burn in Burnet got "out of control" Monday, burning over 75 acres, according to fire officials.It happenedoff County Road 403, according to the MaFederal authorities have released the first surveillance photos showing a "potential subject" as the investigation continues.Austin police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed early this morning by a box truck on I-35 near Onion Creek. The deadly incident aroundA 26-year-old man has been arrested on arson charges after allegedly setting fire to merchandise at an East Austin H-E-B so he could steal alcohol.Eric Alejandr
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fire damages vacant home in east ColumbusA fire broke out in a vacant home on East Long Street in East Columbus, just a block from East High, around 3:30 a.m.Fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze
Read more »
Denise Austin, 68, Shares 6 ‘Low-Impact’ Cardio Moves ‘for Any Age’Denise Austin demonstrates low-impact cardio moves “for any age,” alongside her daughter, Katie. Here’s how to perform each “fun” exercise.
Read more »
Tax season tips: Jackson Hewitt offers free coffee and filing advice in AustinAs tax season kicks off, Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, shares essential tips for navigating the process.Steber emphasizes the
Read more »
Dog seized after videos prompt animal abuse investigation at downtown Austin apartmentsAustin police are investigating a reported case of animal cruelty after videos circulated on social media showing a dog being abused at a downtown apartment com
Read more »
Crews extinguish large fire at vacant commercial building in S AustinFirefighters battled a fire at a vacant commercial building in South Austin overnight, officials said.The Austin Fire Department first posted about the incident
Read more »
Deadly crash shuts down I-35 in south Austin, Austin Police investigation underwayAustin police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed early this morning by a box truck on I-35 near Onion Creek.According to officials, the
Read more »