In American Literature O Henry is known as the Master of Short Stories. O Henry lived in Austin Texas from 1893 to 1895 and left Texas in 1897. While in Austin he worked at many different occupations that eventually he would use as material for his short stories. His first nationally published short story was "The Miracle of lava Canyon" which he wrote and published before leaving Texas. some of his Occupations while in Austin included a pharmacist, draftsman, bank teller, and journalist. Other occupation's while in Texas included Shepard, Ranch Hand, Cook and Baby sitter.
It's while working as bank teller that he ran afoul of the law and was accused of embezzlement. Federal charges were filed against him and before appearing at trial he absconded away to New Orleans and finally to Honduras. While there he coined the term "Banana Republic." Also while there he learned his beloved wife was dying of Tuberculosis thus he returned to Austin. Almost Immediately after her death probably suffering from depression he had little to say on his defense and was sentenced to 5 years in Prison. He was sent to the state penitentiary in Columbus Ohio.
The Austin home O Henry lived in has been turned into a Museum. It is located at: 409 East 5th street and is open from 12 noon until 5 in the afternoon Wed. thru Sun.
Every spring since 1978 Punsters from across America have gathered in Austin to compete in the annual O Henry Pun-off sponsored by the Museum. This years event will be held on May 19 it will be the 30th consecutive event.
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Danny, good thing that O. Henry was better at writing than holding down a steady job. I have read some of his short stories but never knew these things about him.
Danny what an interesting post. You have tons of trivia there that I was unaware of and will now remember because of this post! Do you go to the pun-off? I wonder how much time they are given to create?
George, I guess he's like most people in that era..lots of interesting backgrounds.
Maggie and you thought we were backwards and had no history! :) Here are the rules if you want to look:
http://www.punpunpun.com/18122.html
Danny, I checked them out. It seems one competition you have some time to prepare for the other requires that you think fast. It sounds like fun!
I'm sure I have read some of his stories. I'm a huge reader and the name is very familiar. I expect it has been a long time ago though.
Very interesting!!
Maggie, I bet you would be good at the one requiring fast thinking!
Marchel, I believe we all had to read some of his short stories in High School! A very long time ago!
Danny, I'd never heard of O. Henry until I just read your post. Interesting stuff, I may need to check out some of his stories. And I loved the angle you took with this post as well....Information & Marketing....Excellent.
Jason, just trying to keep people informed about Austin! We have a lot to offer.
Danny, thanks for believing in me but ever since I hit my 40's my synapses don't synapse like they used to!
Danny when I moved to Columbus the old penitentiary was still standing...and it's claim to fame was that O. Henry had stayed there.
I remember reading O. Henry's stories in high school.
When the penitentiary was demolished they saved some of the stones believing someone at some point would build something in the Arena district (where the penitentiary used to be) that would use them. I read something about they are still being stored. Maybe the new baseball stadium will use the stones.
Great information on a historic site here in Austin!! Hopefully this will help drive up their visits!! -Good stuff!!
Maggie, I'm sure you'd do fine!
Maureen,now we both know the "Rest of The Story!"
Hi Jeannette! I'm sure they would appreciate that!
You mean Like this Ed?