This missive, the official Texpert Tours newsletter, serves a dual purpose: to provide Tour veterans more information about our fascinating region and to incite prospects to sign up! Every street corner and hilltop has a story to share, and you get more in these columns about the people behind the names and the blossoms beneath the beauty.

An earlier digest, the TBRS Cartogram, began annually in 1978. Heroic couplets told my escapades in 1986. I stopped writing for a while after ’87’s limericks. Texpert Tours’ recent success suggested I revive the newsletter idea. You’re viewing the results.

Happy perusal, and good trekking!

Your host, Howie Richey

Three distinct Austin characteristics—government, education, and art—can be directly traced to the city founder’s personality and activities. Mirabeau B. Lamar, a descendant of Georgia Hugenots, came to Texas in 1835 to study history. He immediately became embroiled in the Texas Revolution, assuming a significant role at the battle of San Jacinto as an expert equestrian and soldier. Elected vice president of the fledgling Republic in September of 1836, he soon came to despise President Sam Houston. By law, Houston couldn’t succeed himself. With little opposition, Lamar handily won election in 1838 as Texas’ second chief executive.

Early in his term, he was so impressed with the Colorado River where it tumbled from the Hill Country that he decided to build a new capital city here, named for Stephen F. Austin. On October 17, 1839, Lamar headed the first-ever parade up Congress Avenue to establish what he called "the seat of future empire."

Credited with initiating the Texas public school system while president, he aimed to build a college in the new capital. In a fitting tribute, this educator’s words became UT’s motto: "The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy and, while controlled by virtue, is the noblest attribute of man." After 1848 Lamar began writing sketches for a proposed history of Texas. He started but never finished a biography of Stephen F. Austin.

Between his studies, Lamar was an oil painter and romantic poet. He wrote this to his business partner’s six-year-old daughter:

Gay Spring, with her beautiful flowers,
Is robing the valleys and hills;
Sweet music is heard in the bowers,
And laughter is sent from the rills.
Oh, let me, while kindled by these,
The feelings of childhood recall,
And frame a soft sonnet to please
The fair little Florence Duval.

Perhaps portending his city’s alternative lifestyles, Lamar dressed oddly: pleated pants, big and baggy. Called a visionary by his supporters but a dreamer by his critics, he wanted to extend the Texas Republic west to the Pacific. Santa Fe was as far as he got.

• secretary to Georgia Governor Troup
• Georgia state senator
• party newspaper publisher
• organized Laredo’s municipal government
• represented Nueces and San Patricio counties in the Second Legislature
• U.S. minister to Nicaragua and Costa Rica

He died in 1859. Recalling his public life, historian Homer Thrall named Lamar the “wisest statesman and purest patriot of the age.”

Lamar was no musician, but the city’s musical connection shares his name nonetheless. Lamar Boulevard was the address of Kenneth Threadgill’s gas station cum beer bar, where Austin’s live music tradition began in the mid-30s. In those days, Lamar was still known as the old Dallas highway. When did that change?

Austin honors its founder with a statue outside the State Library building and a portrait inside the Senate Chamber. But the larger monument is the road named for him. One of Austin’s four famous streets, Lamar Boulevard is a great way to orient yourself, since it’s one of the city’s longest thoroughfares.

The street’s original purpose was to relieve downtown traffic by providing a western route and tie together several disconnected subdivisions. It opened in 1942 with the dedication of the bridge. An architectural marvel because of its open-spandrel design, Lamar Bridge is a nationally recognized historic structure.

A drive down the boulevard showcases much of Austin’s geomorphology. North of the river, Lamar traces scenic Shoal Creek, the informal western boundary of the old city. South of the Colorado, the road climbs a succession of river terraces, the ancient flood plains. How about a tour?

Recent Tours included three for RailAmericA. These groups arrive in Austin aboard the Amtrak Eagle, spend the night here, then join me on a bus ride through the Hill Country. Stops include the LBJ Boyhood Home and Ranch, Fredericksburg, Cowboy Artists Museum in Kerrville, Comfort, and San Antonio. I provide in-depth interpretation of the natural world they’re seeing, and tie together visited places’ history.

But the words were not all mine. To prepare them for their Alamo experience, I read aloud moving memoirs of women and children who survived the 1836 battle.

Of her company’s Texpert Tour, Roxanne Rouse of Computer Science Corporation said, "Howie, you did a terrific job. Your depth of knowledge of Austin, historic and current, was truly amazing. Our clients were from different parts of the US, and from as far away as London. All raved about the Tour (and you) to the other conference-goers. It actually made the golfers a bit jealous. Thanks again for taking such good care of us!"

Gifted and talented high school students from Graham, Texas, echoed the sentiment: "You led a fantastic field trip, not only in presentation but also in your preparation. We all enjoyed the day immensely." They especially complimented my entertaining period costume.

In light of my recent engagement at Motorola, I’m heavily promoting my Nightlife Tour of the Capital City. This excursion mirrors the daytime downtown trip, but adds the spectacular bat emergence and includes a stroll on 6th Street to dig its lively music. Many of my clients also enjoy the brew pub option.

• The Gates of the Alamo -- Stephen Harrigan
• The Borderland -- Edwin Shrake
• Stephen F. Austin, Empresario of Texas -- Gregg Cantrell

Son Sol and I were most privileged to be part of the Texas Independence Day parade this past March second. We decorated the ’Burb with red, white, and blue ribbons along with Texas flags. Behind Austin Duck Adventures’ giant amphibious vehicle, we crept up Congress Avenue to the cheers of the crowds. Sol played The Yellow Rose of Texas on his clarinet while I waved and smiled broadly.

In mid-April, we hosted Pack 28, Cub Scouts of America, at Rancho Richey Refuge, our nature site near Belmont, Texas. The 11-year-olds and their families enjoyed hiking, river activities, habitat study, and campfire gatherings which included the Rancho history reading. They examined the abundant insect life and particularly delighted in the cow bone toss. True to their pledge, the Scouts left the campsite in better shape than they found it.

Lately, co-workers from Motorola also discovered the property’s charms and availability for picnics, tubing, and corporate retreats.

If you enjoy reading this Texplorer, please link it to a friend. I invite you to express your comments and ideas for future issues through e-mail:zow@io.com