The Henry Kuempel Collection - Austin Events and Attractions (1940-1)

Duration: 13:54

Year Published: 19401941

Sound: silent

Description: This 1941 home movie captures a variety of events in and around Austin. First, scenes from the Johnson’s Trading Post Rodeo. Cowboys and girls compete in various rodeo events, such as calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Next, cameraman Henry Kuempel documents a large collection bin for scrap aluminum. Aluminum was one of several materials Americans were asked to contribute to boost production and maintain supply levels for troops abroad during World War II. Then, Kuempel captures the transition from streetcars to buses on February 7, 1940. Electric streetcars make their final journey along Congress Avenue as Austin Transit Company buses take over. As the film switches from color to black and white, Kuempel tours Austin following a rare snowfall on January 22, 1940. Finally, scenes from a visit to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on October 2, 1941.