Photo Courtesy of Austin History Center , Austin Public Library, #PICA 25419

Austin's Hyde Park

Hyde Park, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 by the U.S. Department of the Interior, was platted in 1891 by Colonel Monroe Shipe. Shipe subdivided the land and proceeded to sell building lots in what was to be one of Austin 's first suburban developments.

According to neighborhood history, Hyde Park lots were 25 feet wide and sold for $110.00 - $10.00 down and $5.00 a month. Anyone who purchased two lots and built on them

Barbara & Dick - March, 1996

within a year was entitled to a third lot free. To attract buyers, Shipe, who also began the Austin Street Railway Company, extended the streetcar line to his development and provided graded streets, city utilities, built the first school, and paid the teachers' salaries and free mail delivery. Hyde Park was said to be "the most beautiful and healthful spot in Austin." He claimed that "no city west of Boston can boast of finer drives than are in Hyde Park."

Today it is a diverse neighborhood made up of grand old Victorian homes, farm-style Texas frame houses, Classical Revival-style houses, craftsman bungalows, apartment buildings, merchants, community theater and fabulous gardens.

Guests at Woodburn House have the opportunity to walk the cool, tree-canopied streets while guided by the walking tour book published by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau; to Elisabet Ney Museum and wonder at the masterpieces created by Elisabet Ney, a woman before her time; or visit neighborhood theater, shops, cafes and some of Austin 's favorite restaurants.