National Register Listing

Old Bakery

a.k.a. Lundberg Bakery

1006 Congress Ave., Austin, TX
In 1876 Charles Lundberg built what is now called the Old Bakery Building. According to the March 26, 1876 edition of the Austin Statesman the building was as noteworthy then as it is today. The paper described how "a large (stone) eagle, with outstretched wings, and carved out of solid stone by that excellent mechanic, Mr. John Didelot, was yesterday elevated to the top of Mr. Lundberg's bakery building, at the head of the Avenue. Mr. L. is sparing no pains or expense in fitting up the most tasty and attractive bakery and confectionery in the South." Charles Lundberg came to the United States from Sweden in 1863 and in 1872 he moved to Austin where: he became a journeyman in the bakery business. A year or two later he bought out his employer. "From that day,' according to Lundberg's obituary,'he conducted the largest and most successful bakery in Austin." When he died in 1895, his widow sold the business to Henry Maerki, a Swiss National, and a partner. By 1898 Maerki was the sole owner of the bakery where he and his wife Lillie made their home. In 1906, before taking his family back to his fatherland, Maerki sold the business to George Siglhofer whose name appears in the cement sidewalk in front of the building.

For sixty years the little building housed a succession of independent bakers who supplied fresh bread and cakes to Austinites as well as for visitors on their way to the Capitol. Specialties of the Lundberg Bakery were: five inch long ladyfingers, almond meal macaroons, glazed kisses, and Sally bread. From 1883 to 1899 the temporary State Capitol at Eleventh and Congress was located next to the bakery. Although various business interests occupied the Old Bakery Building after 1937, it was used last as a nightclub. Until 1962 it was vacant and deteriorating; at that time the Heritage Society of Austin bought and restored it along with the aid of the Junior League of Austin. The Heritage Society Guild directed restoration of the building which they opened to the public in January, 1965 as a tourist information center, museum, curio shop and snack bar.

The Texas State Historical Survey Committee designated the Old Bakery Building as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1966, but today the Texas Highway Department threatens its existence with plans for a new office building on the site.
Bibliography
Hart, Mrs. Kathryn, Manuscript of The Heritage Society of Austin, Inc., Files of the Texas State Historical Survey Committee.

Patrick, Carolyn, The Dallas Morning News, Thursday, Mar 20, 1965
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce social history
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.