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Chap. 1 - Hx of WLH - Epis. 5 - Tales of Building Westlake Drive
Manage episode 413998713 series 3413422
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Emmett Shelton Sr. (1905-2000) tells of the history of the efforts to develop the central area of Westlake Hills around Red Bud Trail. In the early 40s, the lake was very active with Riverboats and races. Locals built the Yacht Club on the Lake by Bee Creek.
Emmett focused his efforts on abstracting the land around Central Westlake and building access to the lake. The City made a number of trades with Emmett once the bridge deal was final. The City traded Emmett a major tract near Westlake and Redbud Trail. He had to borrow $1000 to close the deal but Emmett's law firm owed $200 back taxes on their law library. With the City's agreement, Emmett had to write a hot check to cover the taxes. Within the year, Emmett sold 3 acres for $3,000 cash.
Emmett had given Brown and Root for the power lines. One B&R executives had an interest but Yacht Club Drive wasn't built. So, to show him the property, we parked where the County Lineis now and walked 1 1/2 hour to Nob Hill. I offered him 50 acres for $1500. He said - heck Emmett - I'll give you $1500 to get me back to car. So, I lost that deal - but he was the wone who lost out.
After this incident, Emmett and his brother focused on building the Yacht Club Drive. They had land, a bulldozer and dynamite - but no engineering experience. They wound Westlake Drive thru the hills. The County helped out with a culvert across Bee Creek but floods washed it out. Emmett was determined..
With the Yacht Club Road in progress and lake access in view, Bee Creek had become very popular. Emmett turned his attention to developing the inaccessible land along the Creek. As an example of the promis - Emmett had bought land in the area for $15 and acre. Emmett developed 1/2 acre lots with 100-foot lake access which sold for $400, each, within a year.
Emmett's Dreams Were Coming True!
Music: Daddy's Dream by Polk Shelton, Emmett's son
For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.
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