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Austin History Quiz Answer 13
[Magnesium plant and pre-cursor to the Balcones Research Center], circa 1940s, PICA 19537 detail, photo by Neal Douglass
Austin History Quiz Answer 13
When and how did Austin get its start as a high-tech mecca?
Many people place the beginning in the late 1940s, with the establishment of the University of Texas' Balcones Research Center on the 393-acre site of a former federal World War II magnesium plant northwest of Austin.
Many of the UT faculty and graduate students who worked on research projects at various scientific laboratories in the Center (archeology, aerospace, and nuclear physics, among others) went on to start or work in private electronics and research companies. These companies, and the large pool of highly trained researchers at UT, attracted national electronics corporations and their suppliers to build Austin locations.
The first three major high-tech firms in Austin's high-tech wave were Tracor (1950s), IBM (1967), and Texas Instruments (1969).
Question 14
Where was "Chili Square"?
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Austin History Quiz Answer 14
Walker's Austex Chili Company, October 15, 1952, ND-52-225-01 detail, Neal Douglass Photograph Collection, photo by Neal Douglass
Austin History Quiz Answer 14
Where was "Chili Square"?
It was where Republic Square is now, framed by Guadalupe, 4th, San Antonio and 5th Streets. Walker's Austex Chili Company had its office at 310 San Antonio Street and its plant at 500-502 West 5th Street from the 1920s to the 1950s. Also, up until the 1920s, the blocks surrounding this square were populated by a large number of Mexican-Americans.
Question 15
What 1940s Austin nightclub was on the "Chitlin' Circuit"?
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Austin History Quiz Answer 15
Sugar Williams and Touch of Class performat at the Victory Grill, undated, AR.2001.002(V001) detail, Villager Newspaper Photograph Collection
Austin History Quiz Answer 15
What 1940s Austin nightclub was on the "Chitlin' Circuit"?
The Victory Grill, at 1104 E. 11th Street, was on that circuit. The Chitlin' Circuit is the name given to those music venues where African-Americans were allowed to perform during the age of segregation. The circuit started in the North and extended down into the Southern states. The Victory Grill is the last remaining business in Austin that was part of the Chitlin' Circuit. It experienced a renaissance as a performance venue in the 1990s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Austin History Quiz Answer 11
[French Legation], circa 1960s, PICA 38224 detail, photo by Bill Malone
Austin History Quiz Answer 11
What is the oldest house in Austin?
The French Legation, at 802 San Marcos, is Austin's oldest documented structure still on its original site. Construction began in December 1840 to the specifications ordered by France's representative to the Republic of Texas, Jean Pierre Isidore Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. The French Legation is now open to the public as a museum.
Question 12
Why was Austin's first municipal airport named Mueller Airport?
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Austin History Quiz Answer 12
Relocated Administration Building at Municipal Airport, 1942, PICA 25032 detail
Austin History Quiz Answer 12
Why was Austin's first municipal airport named Mueller Airport?
Robert Mueller was a city council member who died in January 1927, just months after being elected to office. The council chose to honor his dedication to service and his civic contributions by naming the first municipal airport after him after it opened in 1930.
According to the Austin American, "it was helping his city which has probably hastened his death, for on that night, according to members of the city council, he told them he was ill about 10 o'clock, and they asked him to stay a little while longer for the budget was almost planned and they needed his guidance. He remained, and every little while he would remark he was sick, but finally, with plans nearly completed, he went home at 11:30 o'clock."
Question 13
When and how did Austin get its start as a high-tech mecca?
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