The Broken Spoke on its way to becoming historic landmark

In the draft resolution, Austin City Council members said they believe the venue should be considered a historical landmark due to the following criteria:

• The venue is more than 50 years old and retains the original integrity of its character of a classic Texas music and dance hall;
• The property has significant associations with historical events, including famous performers, visitors and events, and provides distinct community value as a cornerstone of Austin's live music scene; and
• It has a long-standing significant association with persons and groups of historic important which contributed significantly to the history of the city and state.

"I strongly support resolutions like this one in particular to preserve and protect the Spoke," Roy said. "I'm a big fan of that old Austin culture where the hippies and rednecks come together, and I hope we can figure out a way to keep that as part of our fabric."

District 5 Council Member Ann Kitchen also expressed support of the resolution during the council meeting.

"It's in my district, and it's in my heart," Kitchen said. "I've spent a lot of time there, ... and this [historical landmark designation] is an avenue that we can explore as potentially helping us to preserve The Broken Spoke."

Situated at 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, The Broken Spoke maintains Austin's history, including the legacy of honky tonk and similar dance halls throughout the state, according to the draft resolution. The venue has already received a Texas Historical Marker recognizing its long history, which has been in the White family since its inception Nov. 11, 1964, by James and Annetta White.