Paramount Theatre
713 Congress Ave., Austin, TXCompleted at a cost of nearly $150,000, Austin entrepreneur Ernest Nalle dedicated his new theater to his father and former mayor of the city, Joseph Nalle. On October 11, 1915, eight months after construction bids were taken, the majestic theatre formally opened its doors. Conceived by the noted theatre designer John Eberson, it was built to accommodate various forms of live entertainment, such as vaudeville, musicals, and legitimate theatre, as well as motion pictures.
The name was changed to the Paramount Theatre and remodeled in 1930, about the same time the theatre was acquired by the immensely successful showman Karl Hoblitzelle. The successful daily dichotomy of live and animated entertainment did not change, however, nor did the quality of entertainment diminish. Over the first forty years as an Austin theatre, performances were given by Helen Hayes, Katherine Hepburn, Orson Wells, Sara Bernhardt, the Barrymores, John Phillip Sousa, Anna Pavolva George M. Cohan, the Metropolitan Opera, and Mikail Mordkin and His Russian Dance Troupe. But as motion pictures increased in popularity, the live performances gradually decreased. By 1960, the Paramount presented motion pictures almost exclusively.
Then in 1975, the lease was acquired from Interstate Theatres by Paramount Theature for the Performing Arts, Inc., a group intent on reestablishing a performing arts center in Austin. The new management has since brought to the Paramount stage Dave Brubeck, the Houston Grand Opera, the National Dance Company of Mexico, Peter Nero, the Michael Sokoloff Dance Ensemble, and the production of two musical comedies, "Carnival" and "West Side Story". In addition, classic films of the 1930's and 1940's are exhibited regularly.
Bibliography
Travis County Collection, Austin Public Library, Karl Hoblitzelle Theatre Arts Collection, The University of Texas at Austin Library.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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.