Gallery

Enjoy some of the images of the events at the beautiful Chateau Bellevue and the Austin Woman's Club.

November 6, 2025 Past President's Luncheon - Beyond the Parlor: The Founders of the Austin Woman's Club

By Dr. Gail Chovan

 

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    MISS LILIA CASIS

    1869 - 1947


    Lilia Mary Casis was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1869. After the death of her father, she moved to Texas in 1890 with her mother and sister. In 1894, Miss Casis entered the University of Texas in Austin and completed her bachelor's degree in one year followed by a Master's degree in Romance languages. Affiliated with the UT Austin for the rest of her life, as she served as an instructor (1897), adjunct professor (1899), and associate professor (1908). She was appointed a full professor in 1916 and served as dean of women from 1919 to 1921. 


    In addition to teaching, she was an active community member participating in the YMCA, YWCA, University Ladies Club, and American Association of University Women. Miss Casis was made an honorary life member of the Texas State Historical Association. Her legacy remains in Casis Elementary School, the eponymous school, that was formed supporting neighborhood students as well as those with physical disabilities.


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    DRESS & JACKET

    Ivory & pink floral silk, chiffon and satin

    1930s

    Donor: Morene Parten Cutler via Mike Hatchell


    HAT & FAN

    Basket weave hat with artificial flowers

    Carved ivory and silk hand-painted scenic fan

    1930s

    From the UT Austin HTAC


    SHOES

    Leather & suede with pointed toes and two button straps

    1920s

    From the UT Austin HTAC


    This ivory, floral dress is synonymous with femininity as Miss Casis would attend her meetings at the Women’s Club. After her conferences, she would frequently attend brunches and or stroll in the park with friends; her hat and fan provided relief from the heat while evoking a sense of grace. Post-retirement, Miss Casis was active in her community and was heavily involved in the organization of charity events. Although she prioritized leisure, she strived to convey elegance and poise, often incorporating her practical leather shoes into meeting outfits. 


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    MIRIAM “Ma” FERGUSON

    1865 – 1971


    Miriam Amanda “Ma” Ferguson was the first female governor of Texas. Born in Bell County, Texas, she attended Salado College and Baylor Female College at Belton. Ferguson ran for the governorship in order to restore her family's honor due to her husband James Ferguson's impeachment as Texas governor in 1917. She served 2 non-consecutive terms from1925 to 1927, and from 1933 to 1935.


    During her time in office, she increased education funding, condemned the KKK, opposed liquor prohibition, and signed the Texas House Bill 134, which helped establish the University of Houston as a four-year institution. At the age of 54 in 1929, she helped found the Austin Woman's Club as a space for women to engage in and support educational, historical, and civic programs.


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    BEADED SILK DRESS

    Silk and chiffon with glass beads

    1920s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    EMBROIDERED VELVET COAT

    France. Silk velvet

    1920s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    As the first female governor of Texas, Miriam “Ma” Ferguson could have perhaps worn this look to a gala in support of women’s education. Her many achievements are reflected in a professional, venerable style.

    The fine embroidered details on the dress and cape are eye-catching yet reflect her stylish, quiet dignity The lilac cape exemplifies her austere, modest image, while the fur collar aids in commanding respect. The look incorporates elements iconic of the 1920s era with highlighted by the ornate beaded detail and the dropped waistline in the dress.


     


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    MRS. PERCY PENNYBAKER

    1861-1938


     Anna Hardwicke Pennybacker was a pioneering educator, author, and women’s rights advocate whose influence helped shape Texas history.

      

    A graduate of the first class of Sam Houston Normal School (now Sam Houston State University), Pennybacker went on to write and publish “A New History of Texas” in 1888, a widely used textbook in the state’s schools. She founded and was a member of various women’s organizations where she championed educational and civic reform. She raised funds for scholarships for female students at UT Austin as well as created a women’s dormitory.


    A prominent nationally recognized leader in the women’s suffrage movement, Pennybacker’s legacy endures in Austin through the Percy V. Pennybacker Jr. Bridge, named in honor of her and her family’s contributions to Texas and beyond.



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    EVENING COAT

    Brown Velvet with Silk Lining

    1920s

    Donor: Eleanor Harris, Hot Springs, Arkansas


    Dressed in a rich brown fur coat layered over Western-inspired attire, Mrs. Percy Pennybacker embodied the confidence and sophistication of Texas women stepping into the political spotlight of the late 1920s. 


    Attending a Democratic campaign party alongside Eleanor Roosevelt, Pennybacker’s ensemble blended frontier pride with modern elegance, symbolizing the merging of tradition and progress. Her look reflected the growing voice of women in public life after the 19th Amendment, as fashion became both a personal expression and a political statement of presence, power, and participation in shaping a new America.


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    MRS. SAM SMITH

    1st President of the AWC 1928-1930


    Mrs. Sam J. Smith was the inaugural president of the Austin Women’s Club, serving from 1928-1930. Her vote was crucial in securing the building that would become the club's home, Chateau Bellevue, ensuring a preserved space for the organization's activities and the women of Austin. Over the years, she also served as a historian for the AWC. Mrs. Smith embraced the changes of her time, encouraging women’s participation in higher education and helping to cultivate a strong community at AWC. Fashionable and stylish, she embraced the trends of her time while also remaining true to her own tastes. From the limited information gathered about Mrs. Smith, it is assumed that was an active preservationist, always striving to better her community by playing a very active role.




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    SLIP DRESS

    American made. Lavender Charmeuse

    1920s – 1930s

    Donor: Nancy Bolitho


    GLOVES

    American. Beaded velvet.

    1920s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    LACE SHAWL

    American. Black cotton lace.

    1920s

    Donor: Nancy Bolitho


    BEADED BAG

    Glass beads with silk lining and metal frame.

    1920s

    From the collection of Professor Gail Chovan


    Fashionable and stylish, Mrs. Sam Smith embraced the trends of her time while also remaining true to her own tastes. The presented garment references her presidential photograph, where she dons a dark, lace garment with a V-shaped neckline. The silk charmeuse dress straddles the decades from the 1920s into the 1930s, the times of her presidency. From the limited information gathered about Mrs. Smith, it’s assumed she is a very caring woman, always striving to not only better her community but take an active role in it. 





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    MRS. PAUL ZEDLER

    1908 -2006


     Empress Zedler was a pioneer and a trailblazer. Born in 1908, she spent her early years earning multiple educational degrees from distinguished universities including Columbia University as well as a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. She became well-known throughout the state and the nation as an authority in child psychology with a special emphasis on the recognition and treatment of dyslexia. 


    Beyond her academic accomplishments, she married Paul Zedler in 1928 and the following year, she became a founding member of the Austin Woman’s Club. Years later, her daughter, also named Empress, became a member as well. Dr. Empress Zedler left a renowned legacy with her many accomplishments and awards in the fields of child psychology and education.




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    FLAPPER DRESS

    France. Silk chiffon and glass beads.

    1920s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    SHOES

    Kid leather with white curved Louis heels

    Early 1900s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    EVENING BAG

    Pictural glass beaded bag with chain

    1920s

    from the collection of Professor Gail Chovan


    In the 1920s, economic prosperity from mass production and technological advancements allowed society to let loose and have fun. These occasions usually called for the latest fashions, such as this fabulous 1920s chiffon dress. The piece consists of a loose silhouette that is covered in intricate beading, making it perfect for any activity the night called for while still making the wearer feel chic. This flapper dress is paired with a white Curved Louis heel and a beaded pochette. Mrs. Zedler would have definitely been the best dressed at the speakeasy.



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    MRS. ZACHARY SCOTT, SR.

    1888 – 1984


     Born Sallie Lee Masterson to Robert B. and Anna Masterson in Fort Worth, she moved to Austin in 1909 after her marriage to Dr. Zachary Scott. As an active community member and devoted mother to her three children, including the actor Zachary Scott, she sought to preserve as well as uplift women’s voices. She was a founding member of the Austin Woman’s Club.


    She died on 15 November 1983, in Austin, Travis, Texas, United States, at the age of 95, and was buried in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. Sallie Lee’s legacy, rooted in our city’s culture and civic life, is well-documented documentation Austin History Center where among the Scott family papers can be found her personal diaries dating back to 1907 and 1908.


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    EVENING DRESS

    Black velvet and mesh.

    1930s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    HAT

    Mrs. Page, woven straw and velvet

    late 1930s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    SHOES

    Black leather with metal accents

    1930s

    From the UT Austin HTAC


    Sallie Lee, mother of the acclaimed actor Zachary Scott, nurtured her family with a cultural life in the city of Austin. For an evening at the theatre she could be dressed in a velvet and mesh bias cut dress, typical of the time period and accessorized with a flair for the dramatic in her black hat and shoes.

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    MRS. LOMIS SLAUGHTER

    1889 - 1977


    Born Johnie Trotter in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, she married Lomis Slaughter in Texas in 1912. She became the wife of the respected Austin grocery store and meat market owner and was a dedicated wife and mother to their three children, Lomis Jr, George Owen and Lois Elizabeth. Mrs. Slaughter supported the American Association of University Women, was one of the founding members of the Austin Woman’s Club and held the position of historian. As a couple, the Slaughters participated in volunteering and social events, and Mrs. Slaughter was known as an active member of the community.


    The Slaughter family legacy lives on in the naming of Slaughter Lane in South Austin near Slaughter Creek. According to city documents, the Slaughter family first moved to the area about the time Texas became a republic. 


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    EMBROIDERED & LACE DRESS

    Cotton mesh and lace.

    1920s

    Donor: Mary Catherine Wilcox


    BEADED RETICULE

    Beaded & crocheted red purse.

    1920s

    Donor: Austin History Center


    At only 40 years old when the AWC was founded, Mrs. Johnie Slaughter was an active member of the Austin community. While attending many social events, she would have worn this 1920s lace evening dres showcasing the delicate and feminine features of a woman her age. Paired with a red beaded draw-string bag, the look ties together the intricate style of the decade while also giving narrative to the life of a leading lady and philanthropist.



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    MILDRED PAXTON MOODY

    1897 – 1983


    Born in Abilene, Texas, Mildred Paxton Moody was married to Dan Moody, Texas Governor, making her the First Lady of Texas from 1927 - 1931. She received a BA in English in 1917 from Simmons University and then an MA from the University of Texas. She later returned to Simmons as a teacher. She additionally received a Journalism degree from Columbia University in New York. As both a journalist and preservationist, she realized the financial challenges faced by woman’s organizations and subsequently joined the AWC so it could be preserved and decorated by appointed regents. 

    An active member of the Austin Junior League, Red Cross United Fund and Settlement Club, she was also instrumental in the decoration and continued preservation of the Governor’s mansion.




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    EVENING DRESS

    Satin dress with cap sleeves and rhinestone clasp

    1930s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    HAT

    Black wool with gold.

     Merrimag Hat Corporation, Massachusetts.

    1930s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    T-STRAP SHOES

    San Antonio, Texas. Leather and brocade.

    1920s

    from the UT Austin HTAC


    As the First Lady of Texas married to Governor Dan Moody, who served the state from 1927 to 1931, Mrs. Moody would have attended many formal events and galas. The displayed 1930s fashionable evening dress could have easily been worn the First Lady of Texas as she attended a state dinner alongside her husband during his time as Governor. Educated and active in the community, her wardrobe would have been as stylish as it would have been noteworthy. 






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October 30, 2025 AWC Luncheon and Membership Drive - Nathan Stephens Texas State Cemetery Administrator

October 16, 2025 Robyn Metcalfe and Joy Stoddard - Home Economics and the Muppets

September 21, 2025 Austin Museum Day

August 28, 2025 AWC Luncheon with Sarah Sonner, Briscoe Center for American History, UT Austin - 'History and Fate, The Goodwins and the 1960s'

Exhibit Development: 'History and Fate, The Goodwins and the 1960s'

Sarah Sonner, Briscoe Center for American History, UT Austin

Austin Womans Club, August 28,2025

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Sarah G. Sonner, Ph.D., Director for Curation at the Briscoe Center for American History, discusses the development of the exhibit 'History and Fate, The Goodwins and the 1960s.' The exhibit highlights the archives of Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Goodwin, focusing on their contributions to political history and the 1960s. Sarah outlines the process of exhibit development, including research, design, and layout, emphasizing the importance of primary sources and visitor engagement. The exhibit features significant historical events, such as JFK and RFK's assassinations, and Dick Goodwin's work on the 'We Shall Overcome' speech. Doris Kearns Goodwin's involvement in the exhibit and her book 'An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s' provided structure and context. The exhibit is open until December 12th, and Sarah encourages visitors to explore the collections and engage with the historical narratives presented.


Action Points:

 • Encourage visitors to explore the exhibit before it closes on December 12th.

 • Consider planning future exhibits around significant historical events, such as the nation's 250th anniversary next year.


Key Topics:

Introduction to the Exhibit

 • Sarah Sonner introduces the exhibit 'History and Fate, The Goodwins and the 1960s,' highlighting its focus on the archives of Doris Kearns Goodwin and Dick Goodwin. She discusses her role in overseeing the exhibit program and material culture collection at the Briscoe Center for American History.


Exhibit Development Process

 • Sarah explains the exhibit development process, including research, interpretation, and design coordination. She emphasizes the use of primary sources and the importance of making collections accessible to the public. The exhibit aims to promote research and highlight new acquisitions.


Content and Themes of the Exhibit

 • The exhibit explores the Goodwins' contributions to political history, focusing on the 1960s. It features significant events such as JFK and RFK's assassinations and Dick Goodwin's work on the 'We Shall Overcome' speech. The exhibit also highlights Doris Kearns Goodwin's book and her involvement in the project.


Design and Layout Considerations

 • Sarah discusses the design and layout of the exhibit, including the use of large format images and chronological arrangement of objects. She highlights the importance of creating an emotional arc and engaging visitors through thoughtful design choices.


Visitor Engagement and Feedback

 • The exhibit aims to engage visitors by providing a comprehensive view of the Goodwins' archives and their historical significance. Doris Kearns Goodwin's feedback was incorporated into the exhibit, ensuring it conveyed the main points of her book. The exhibit has been extended due to its popularity.

August 14, 2025 AWC Luncheon with Elizabeth Henneke, Founder and CEO of Lone Star Justice Alliance

Advocacy and Reform in the Texas Justice System


The content is a detailed narrative by a lawyer who grew up in Huntsville, Texas, and has dedicated her career to justice reform, particularly focusing on youth and juvenile justice. She shares her personal background, growing up in a prison environment, and how it shaped her understanding of justice. The speaker discusses her journey through education, becoming a lawyer, and her work in various high-profile cases. She highlights her current role in an organization focused on justice reform, sharing a poignant story about a young girl named Lacey, a victim of human trafficking, who was unjustly imprisoned. The speaker outlines the organization's efforts in policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and community programs to support individuals like Lacey. She emphasizes the importance of systemic change, citing statistics on recidivism and disconnection rates among youth in Texas. The speaker calls for support and engagement from the audience, highlighting the need for volunteers, financial contributions, and advocacy at the legislative level. She concludes by expressing her passion for justice reform and the potential for Texas to lead in this area.



Action Points:


  • Launch a volunteer program for the organization's new opportunity youth work.

  • Send the volunteer program link to Susan for distribution.

  • Sign up for the organization's newsletter for updates and calls to action.

  • Engage with the Texas legislature for advocacy on justice reform.

  • Develop a gun violence advocacy campaign starting in the fall.

  • Release the new strategic plan for Austin by the end of the year.



Key Topics:


Introduction and Personal Background


  • The speaker introduces herself as a lawyer who grew up in Huntsville, Texas, within a prison environment. She shares her family's history in law enforcement and how her upbringing influenced her career in justice reform. She discusses her educational journey, attending Yale University and the University of Texas for law school, and her early career experiences.

Career and Advocacy Work


  • The speaker outlines her career path, including her work in high-profile legal cases and her transition to academia. She discusses her decision to return to Texas to focus on justice reform, particularly in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. She highlights her role in an organization dedicated to systemic change and advocacy.

Case Study: Lacey's Story


  • The speaker shares the story of Lacey, a victim of human trafficking who was unjustly imprisoned. She details the organization's efforts to advocate for Lacey, including changing laws, filing appeals, and securing her release. The story illustrates the broader issues within the justice system and the need for reform.

Systemic Challenges and Solutions


  • The speaker discusses the systemic challenges in the Texas justice system, including high recidivism rates and disconnection among youth. She presents data on these issues and outlines the organization's three-part approach: policy advocacy, strategic litigation, and community programs. She emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and creating pathways for youth.

Organizational Impact and Future Plans


  • The speaker highlights the organization's achievements, including legislative wins, litigation successes, and community program outcomes. She discusses future plans, such as launching a gun violence advocacy campaign and releasing a strategic plan for Austin. She calls for support from the audience in various forms, including volunteering, financial contributions, and legislative advocacy.



July 24, 2025 AWC Luncheon with Buck Cole - A Few Ordinary Texans (Personal letters that should have stayed private.)

Mollie and Rufus Mann. Onnie Clem. Kate Stone.


Ordinary Texans from days past? 


Their personal letters, archived in the Texas General Land Office and other places, tell a different story. Experiences and details that perhaps should have stayed private many years ago.


Buck will share the invaluable role of personal letters in understanding history, particularly the often-overlooked experiences of “ordinary” individuals. You’ll learn how intimate personal documents can offer unique insights into daily life, emotions, and perspectives that official records often miss, bringing the past to life in a deeply personal way.
 
Bio: Buck Cole is a native of Waco, Air Force veteran, retired Texas and American history teacher, and former K-12 Education Coordinator for the Texas General Land Office Archives. He makes history come alive by sharing
stories to schools, historical organizations, and civic groups using documents from museums, libraries, and the one he knows best, the Texas General Land Office Archives — home to 38 million documents and 45 thousand maps that tell the story of Texas (and lesser-known places.)


Visit his website, Historify.co., the simplest and quickest history read on the Internet.


July 11, 2025 AWC Luncheon with Austin Musician/Guitarist Dave Scher 

June 26, 2025  AWC Luncheon - Linda McCoy The Austin Hipstorian

Click below to see the slideshow.

June 18, 2025  AWC Luncheon - Pompeo Coppini: Italian Classicism in the Lone Star State - Karen Pope

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May 29, 2025  AWC Luncheon - Inez Wolins, Historic Sites Texas Historical Commission

Overview of Texas Historical Commission's State Historic Sites
Inez Wolins, Assistant Deputy Executive Director of Historic Sites 
Texas Historical Commission
May 29, 2025


Summary

The presentation provides an in-depth overview of the Texas Historical Commission's efforts to manage and preserve state historic sites. Inez Wolins discussed the expansion from 39 to 42 state historic sites, emphasizing the importance of these sites for education and cultural preservation. Key sites mentioned include the Bush family home in Midland, the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, and the Charles and Marianne Goodnight Ranch. The presentation highlights the challenges of maintaining these sites, such as the need for original furnishings and the preservation of structures like adobe brick buildings. Wolins also discussed partnerships with local communities and organizations to manage these sites effectively. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the importance of engaging the public and schoolchildren in these historic sites to ensure their continued relevance and preservation.


Action Points

  • Develop a Texas Travel Guide with maps and information about historic sites.
  • Coordinate with local communities and organizations for site management and preservation.
  • Engage playwrights to develop plays for Washington on the Brazos.
  • Collaborate with the University of North Texas for drone and virtual tours.
  • Ensure compliance with federal guidelines for archaeological investigations at
    Mission Dolores.

Key Topics

Introduction to Texas Historical Commission.  Inez Wolins introduced the Texas Historical Commission, highlighting its mission to protect and preserve historic resources in Texas. The agency has expanded its network from 39 to 42 state historic sites, with a focus on education and engagement. She emphasized the importance of these sites for educating future generations and preserving Texas's cultural heritage.


Bush Family Home in Midland

The Bush family home in Midland is discussed as a significant site due to its association with the Bush family. The site is managed by the state after being transferred from a 501c3 organization. Wolins highlighted the challenges of creating a compelling story for sites where no significant historical events occurred, emphasizing the importance of education and engagement.


Caddo Mounds State Historic Site

The Caddo Mounds State Historic Site is a burial site managed in partnership with the Caddo Nation. The site faced challenges after a tornado destroyed a building, but efforts are underway to recreate structures and engage the community through cultural programs. The site is significant for its connection to indigenous cultures and history.


Charles and Marianne Goodnight Ranch

The Charles and Marianne Goodnight Ranch is highlighted for its historical significance, including Charles Goodnight's invention of the chuckwagon. The site was acquired from a 501c3 organization and is undergoing restoration to preserve its historical integrity. Wolins discussed efforts to protect the view from the highway and maintain the site's historical context.


McGaffin Family Home in El Paso

The McGaffin family home in El Paso is undergoing a $4.2 million restoration due to challenges with its adobe brick structure. The site is significant for its historical furnishings and connection to the McGaffin family. Wolins discussed plans to move collections to secure storage during the restoration process.


Port Isabel Lighthouse

The Port Isabel Lighthouse is managed in partnership with the city and county. The site is popular for its historical significance and community events, such as movie screenings and photo opportunities. The lighthouse was recently restored and relit, marking a significant achievement for the community and the Texas Historical Commission.


Washington on the Brazos Restoration Project

The speaker discusses a major restoration project at Washington on the Brazos, a site significant for its role in Texas's early history. The project involves recreating a town site and constructing a new visitor center and museum. Wolins highlighted the importance of collaboration with playwrights to develop educational programs and performances.


Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations

The Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations are discussed for their historical significance and ongoing restoration efforts. Wolins emphasized the importance of telling the full story of these plantations, including the experiences of enslaved populations. The sites face challenges in community reception and require careful archaeological and historical research.


Slayton Harvey House

The Slayton Harvey House is a newly acquired property managed in partnership with a local 501c3 organization. The site is significant for its connection to the Harvey Girls and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. The speaker discusses plans to restore the site to its historical period of significance while maintaining its function as a bed and breakfast.


Click below to see the slideshow.

May 15, 2025  AWC Luncheon - Charles Peveto, Architectural Historian, Texas Historical Commission

April 24, 2025  AWC Luncheon - Erin Purdy, Briscoe Center

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April 17, 2025 AWC Luncheon - Dell Medical School MD Anderson Expansion 

March 27, 2025 Membership Spring Fling and Luncheon Presentation by James Haley on Austin's Gilded Age

Exploration of the Gilded Age in Texas 

James Haley, Historian and Author

 

Summary 

The content is a detailed exploration of the Gilded Age, focusing on its impact and manifestations in Texas. The speaker, James Haley, discussed the origins of the term 'Gilded Age' coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, highlighting the era's characteristics of unrestrained capitalism and wealth concentration. Haley contrasted the experiences of the North and South during this period, noting Texas's unique position due to its history and economic conditions.

 

Key figures such as George Littlefield and Susanna Dickinson are mentioned, illustrating the diverse experiences of individuals during this time. Haley also delved into the legal and social dynamics of the era, including the role of women and the influence of Spanish law on women's rights in Texas. He included anecdotes about notable personalities and families, such as the Smoot family, who exemplified community service and philanthropy. Haley concluded with reflections on the Texas Supreme Court's role in balancing capitalism with social justice, highlighting the state's distinct approach to the Gilded Age.

 

Action Points

·        Consider sharing stories about Texas Germans in a future talk.

·        Explore the possibility of discussing the Servant Girl murders in a future session.

 

Key Topics

Introduction to the Gilded Age

Haley introduced the concept of the Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner, to describe an era of unrestrained capitalism and wealth concentration. His talk set the stage for exploring how this period manifested differently in Texas compared to the North.

 

Economic and Social Dynamics in Texas

The discussion highlighted the economic and social dynamics in Texas during the Gilded Age. It contrasted the experiences of the North and South, noting Texas's unique position due to its history and economic conditions. Key figures like George Littlefield are mentioned to illustrate the diverse experiences of individuals during this time.

 

Role of Women and Legal Influences

Haley delved into the role of women during the Gilded Age, emphasizing the influence of Spanish law on women's rights in Texas. The narrative includes anecdotes about notable women like Susanna Dickinson and Theodora Hemphill, highlighting their struggles and achievements.

 

Notable Personalities and Families

Haley featured stories about notable personalities and families, such as the Smoot family, who exemplified community service and philanthropy. He shared anecdotes about their contributions to society and the legacy they left behind.

 

Texas Supreme Court and Social Justice

The discussion concluded with reflections on the Texas Supreme Court's role in balancing capitalism with social justice. Haley highlighted the court's unique approach to equity jurisprudence and its impact on society during the Gilded Age.