Ch12 WLH Lost '94 Tapes Ep 1 1994 Developing WLH Pt.1

Our Westlake

We Just Found More Lost Tapes!!
Emmett Shelton, Sr. recorded his 1994 interview about Developing Westlake Hills. (It's marked Kimmell WLH 94).
Emmett shares memories of early work with banks on appraisals, work with planners and issues like drainage and erosion control on hill country developments. He tells of a project his son, Jeffery Dochen, took on, the Forests of Westlake.
And, then Emmett shares a detailed, first-hand account of the 1961 fire that threatened our community's whole world.
Emmett was asked about his proudest accomplishment - he responded --the building of Our Westlake -- 4-5 thousand acres of purely residential development and it is an Anti-SOB Society. Emmett ends with his claim that there are fewer commercial endeavors in Westlake 1994 than there were in the 1930s -- back then there were few families and 4 illegal stills in the area.
(From Cyndie about the Fire - In 1961, We lived on Caravan Circle and us 4 kids were all under 7 and we had Chicken Pox. My Dad took our old firetruck and was fighting the fire for days. Our neighbors came over to survey the fire from the high hill. They helped Mother hose down the roof in case it came up the hill.
Funny what you remember - watching my Dad on Austin TV. "Uncle Jay" (Our local kids show's host , who moonlighted as a reporter) interviewed him about fighting the fire. We hadn't seen him for several days - never forget - his eyes were red, he was coughing and his voice was hoarse - I thought he might not make it home.)
Music: Daddy's Dreams - Polk Shelton, Emmett's Son (Youtube)

For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.