1006 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 477-5961
Fax: (512) 477-2874
Hours of Operation: Craft Sales
Monday through Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed on most holidays)
Saturdays in December (prior to Christmas): 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

A New Idea for Austin
The Old Bakery and Emporium originated in 1971, when the City of Austin utilized federal Older American Act monies to set up a multifaceted senior citizen crafts project. In addition to classes and demonstrations, the handwork of older Austinites was exhibited and sold at arts and crafts fairs. Efforts were made to establish a permanent sales outlet, but a viable location could not be found until the Old Bakery became available.

The program has flourished in this lovely old building, with annual sales increasing more than tenfold. Most of the money taken in is paid out to hundreds of senior citizen artists registered as Old Bakery and Emporium consignors.

More than just another store, the Old Bakery and Emporium:
a. offers people fifty years and over opportunities to supplement their incomes and to develop second careers
b. offers people of all ages opportunities for meaningful volunteer service
c. provides information and a warm sense of welcome to out of town visitors
d. encourages the appreciation and perpetuation of heritage handcraft skills

A Variety of Features

GIFT SHOP	full of lovely, reasonably priced items which have been painstakingly handcrafted by older artists. If you don't see the right size or color, ask about custom orders. Photographs of many of the items are available for viewing.
HOSPITALITY DESK	provides information, brochures and good advice about the attractions of Austin and the surrounding area. You will find that this special service lives up to all the good things you have heard about Southern Hospitality.

The Old Bakery Needs You...
... As a consignor. Let us sell your handicrafts. You name your own price and receive monthly checks for items sold.
... As a volunteer. You need to commit only 8 hours per month.
... As a customer. You will be pleased with the selection, the quality and the price of Old Bakery merchandise.
... As a friend. Help "spread the word"! Tell everyone you know about the Old Bakery and Emporium.

Call or drop by to find out more about how you can become a part of this exciting project. Email Amy Russell to receive additional information. No admission fee necessary.

Directions
Take the 6th-12th Streets Exit on IH-35. Continue on frontage road to 11th Street and turn West on 11th Street. Turn left on Congress Avenue from 11th Street. The Old Bakery & Emporium is on the right at Congress and 10th St. Free customer parking in rear of building.

History
The Old Bakery, a registered national landmark, has graced Congress Avenue since 1876, when it was built by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg. The building was used as a bakery till 1936, and after that for a variety of purposes, including a night club.

The Old Bakery was vacant, deteriorating and scheduled for demolition when it was rescued through the combined efforts of the Austin Heritage Society, which purchased the structure in 1963, and the Junior League, which donated $12,500 for restoration work. In 1964, the Heritage Society began operating a Tourist Information Center and Coffee Kitchen at the site. When the mortgage was paid off in 1970, the Old Bakery was sold to the State of Texas. The state of Texas deeded the building and property to the City of Austin in 1980.

The City of Austin Office of Bicentennial Affairs and the Texas Bicentennial Information Center occupied the building between July 1974 and September 1976. The Old Bakery and Emporium opened its doors in October, 1976, as a co-sponsored project of, the Senior Programs Section of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the First Lady's Volunteer Program of the Texas Center for Volunteer Action.

No alterations were made in the restoration work which included installing the rods on the second floor to strengthen the side walls. The giant oven and the wooden baker's spade remain as reminders of the building's history.