Hoover House Reading Book Reduced

We are always on the lookout for
“Unique Treasures” like this classic
neon sign from Palestine Texas
Such successes weren’t earned without hurdles
It is impossible to enumerate the financial gains Bastrop has realized through the Hoover’s
various commercial and residential undertakings. To illustrate, “The Roadhouse,” a beerand-burger
joint that they sited across from the entrance to Bastrop State Park has become
a local landmark.
Built around an abandoned state highway engineer’s office that Tommy saved from demolition
and had moved, The Roadhouse was an instant hit when the Hoovers opened its
doors in 2000. Texas Monthly magazine has rated its burgers among the tops in the state.
But such successes weren’t earned without hurdles.
“When we were working toward opening The Tavern, we were forced into a battle over an
antiquated city ordinance to gain approval of our liquor permit,” recollects Judi. “So, at first
we had to open as a private club.” “But, years later, when the Hyatt Resort moved to our
area, citizens voted in favor of liquor-by-the-drink, eliminating the need for the expense
and hassle of managing a private club,” said Judi.
Another hiccup from the city came when the Hoovers tried to add a few outdoor tables in
front of The Tavern. Bastrop claimed the sidewalk was city-owned and ordered the tables
removed. Yet now, some thirty years after that incident, Bastrop has come to fully support
its Main Street merchants and tourists. In 2020, the city council approved a facelift for its
venerable downtown. It voted to squeeze traffic lanes in order to widen sidewalks for pedestrians
and alfresco diners. Ironically, the City had to obtain easements to undertake the
redesign because Main Street sidewalks actually belonged to the property owners.
What most raised Judi’s ire was an unexpected “notice to appear” for an alleged “junk and
abandoned vehicles” violation at The Crossing.
To augment the historic character of the compound, The Hoovers added a few rusty Model
A cars and trucks to the landscaping.
“These old vehicles were loaned by our longtime friend, Billy Reed, and we thought of
them as precious pieces of history,” says the offended Judi. “I can’t repeat what I said to the
chief of police but we didn’t appear in court and never heard another word from the
city about those Model A’s.”