Several years ago, the Austin American Statesman wrote an article on several historic slave-owned homes in Austin. I have the pleasure of offering one of them for sale. 1148 Northwestern has a rich history. Sallie Johnson is the Great-Great Aunt of my client, Mark Felder. He and his wonderful wife, Myra are ready to move to a new era of their lives. They were very hesistant to sell their precious home, but are a young couple in need of a larger home to live in. They applied for a historic designation with one of Austin's historic societies and will receive it in April 2006.
Per the Austin American Statesman, "Sallie Johnson belonged to Frank Wattles, a farmer and stockman near Austin. Johnson worked in the house and was required to spin 'a cut a day' or was whipped. She outlived three husbands and her only child, George Brooks, who died in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. At the time of the interview, she was living in Austin at 1148 Northwestern Avenue, where she had lived for 60 years".
Mark recalled that his grandmother ran a beauty shop and other businesses out of the home during her many years living there. Sallie would be delighted at some of the new revitalization efforts in East Austin, expecially in the 78702 zipcode, which is where the home is located. This zip code has become a prime location due to it's proximity to downtown Austin and unique homes. Although they are saddened to sell the property, Mark and Myra are excited that the new buyer will have the chance to own a peice of Austin's history. Sallie's original deed from the 1800s will convey with the sale.
A historic society has been in talks to designate the entire street of Northwestern a historic district since most, if not all, of the homes were previously owned by slaves. See the full Statesman article.
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