Austin History Center Hosts Annual Angelina Eberly Luncheon
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jim Innes and Anne Wheat
THE SETTING: Pre-COVID-19, over 260 of the Capital City’s most notable philanthropists and business leaders, descended upon The Austin Club for the Angelina Eberly Luncheon. One of the most popular annual luncheons in Austin, the afternoon was full of fun and storytelling, creating a history-loving experience.
THE STYLE: The business-chic crowd began the afternoon in the foyer of the venue with a coffee reception against the backdrop of piano music, which added to the sophisticated elegance in the air. Guests then ascended the staircase to the main ballroom for the next phase of the festivities.
While dining on a delicious multi-course meal, attendees were treated to an engaging program. Highlights included celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Austin History Center Association, with remarks from AHCA president and former mayor Lee Cooke. The event was capped off with a presentation where attendees learned about Austin’s origins and Mirabeau B. Lamar’s vision for how Austin would be the seat of Texas.
THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Charles Peveto, raised funds for the Austin History Center, which seeks to enrich the memory of Austin and Travis County. Proceeds from the event went towards the funding of the Austin History Center, which is located inside the world-renowned Austin Public Library.
By Lori Duran Photography of 2019 luncheon courtesy of Austin History Center Assn.
Charles Peveto, Luci Johnson, Nancy Toombs and Steve Manning
The philanthropic luncheon season begins soon. In
fact, on Friday February 7th, 2020, the Austin Club will host the
Angelina Eberly Luncheon that is the annual signature event of the Austin
History Center Association (AHCA). The event brings together over 300 guests: business
associates, coworkers and city leaders; as well as newcomers and longtime
residents ‐ who share their love of Austin history. The
theme of this year’s upcoming luncheon will be the narrative, Our Austin Story,
telling the beginning period of Austin’s rich and diverse history, narrated by
Ted Lee Eubanks, certified interpretive planner, with certain historical
figures, developed by renowned playwright Paulette MacDougal and directed by well-known
theatre director, Don Toner.
Bob Ward and Lynn Cooksey
The Austin Club will hold the luncheon at the
historic Millett Opera House located at 110 E 9th street in downtown Austin where
it opened in 1878. In its day, the opera house provided Austin with a
world-class stage for performances for touring acts and various amusements
including political conventions, inaugural balls and UT commencements. The luncheon
is named after 1840s Austin innkeeper, Angelina Eberly, who fired the cannon
that saved the Texas archives from being removed from the city in the capital
of the Republic of Texas at the time. Charles Peveto, the Eberly luncheon
chair, is most excited about the event’s patrons dining on a menu, based on
early foods of Austin that would have been available in the 1840s. Current AHCA
president and past Austin mayor, Lee Cooke, will lead in celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the Austin History Center Association.
Marcus McQuirter, Charlotte Canning and Andrew Carlson
The luncheon will kick off the
festivities starting with a coffee reception and piano music. Once inside,
guests can mingle in the lobby before ascending the staircase in the main foyer
of the Austin Club where a well-crafted lunch will be served. The fun will continue
as lunch guests gather in the main ballroom for an exciting program based on the
history of Austin itself. The space is beautiful and adorned with massive
chandeliers that illuminate the room and the guests in a warm glow.
Margaret Wright and Lee Cooke
The event raises essential
funds to help support the organization, with a portion of the proceeds funding
the Austin History Center of the Austin Public Library. Many of those who love
Austin history consider this to the most important luncheon inthe city. The focus this year’s Angelina Eberly Luncheon is on the origins of Austin and
how Mirabeau Lamar envisioned it would become a seat of empire. Event tickets
can be acquired at the Austin History Center http://austinhistory.net/eberlyluncheon/ and sponsorships
for this event can be acquired at http://austinhistory.net/eberlyluncheon/eberly-luncheon-sponsorships/
