Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR

Since the founding of Pflugerville in 1860, there has been much growth and change. Yet even today there are many landmarks that represent the early history of what was once a small farming community. Here are four sites that hark back to those early days.

Former Pflugerville Library- The City of Pflugerville provided some funds and a small house at 102 S. 3^rdfor a nominal rent where the Library was housed from 1985 until 1999 when it relocated to a new and much larger building. Today, the site of the former library is occupied by a gift shop, Oh-La-La.

Hanover's Hardware Store- Hanover's has had a presence in downtown Pflugerville for 102 years opening originally as a saloon in 1903. Years later Tom Hanover reopened the historic building as a hardware store and lumberyard. Hanover sold the building in 1999. The new owner transformed it back to a local tavern. The name and some of his original signs still remain as a part of the Hanover's Draught Haus décor and rustic feeling.

Cotton Gin- The first cotton gin in Pflugerville was built in 1904 by one of the original Pfluger family settlers. It was destroyed by fire in 1931 and a new one was built in the same location where the old gin still stands to this day. The Pflugerville Farmer's Market is held weekly on the same land in front of the gin.

Pfluger Meat Market- In 1960, two Pfluger cousins opened a meat market at 100 E. Pecan where it operated for many years. The last business to operate in the same location was the Pecan Street Antique Store. Next door in the same building was a tavern until the 1980's. In 1986, Bill Yates opened Yates Lawnmower Repair and is still in business today at the same location.

If your relocating to Texas or already here and would like more information about our area or assistance selling or buying a home in Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto or Cedar Park & Leander , I welcome your call or email. I bring you experience and knowledge of the local market.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling in Austin & Surround Areas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Highland Park is a wonderful newer community of ‘old style' homes inspired by the 1920's. Homes here truly represent the flavor of yesteryear with rear entry garages, covered front porches and white picket fences.

Old style, also known as craftsman-style homes, are enjoying a rebirth of interest all over the country, and Highland Park is the only community in Pflugerville of its kind. The neighborhood appeal fits perfectly in time offering pockets of green-space, tree-lined streets and landscaped homes built on narrow lots.

The beauty of Highland Park extends to over 100 acres of tranquil parkland, scenic trails and a waterfall fishpond. Active-lifestyle amenities include: Community pool, playground, picnic areas and a basketball court. All this combined with the convenient location to shopping, schools and close proximity to major roadways.

Highland Park is a place where people know their neighbors! It's a great mix of couples, singles and families. If your home-style choices include the feeling and comfort of Grandma's house in a price range that fits your budget, come home to Highland Park!

Currently there are 13 resale homes in Highland Park from 1314 to 2216 square feet priced from $134,900 to $195,000. Pictured is an adorable home I sold in Highland Park.

If your relocating to Texas or already here and would like more information about selling or buying a home in Pflugerville or other surrounding areas including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander, I welcome your call or email.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Austin and Surrounding Areas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

With all the changes and new big-box stores, you can be assured that one thing will not change in Pflugerville ... the people, friendly service and small-town atmosphere at Gaddy's Hardware Store.

In the early 1970's, Frank and Lynn Gaddy opened a small feed store in downtown Pflugerville. As time passed, Gaddy's grew to meet the needs of its customers, and they moved to their current location where Gaddy's Hardware Store was established.

Even today, the hardware store ‘takes you back a step in time' - a blend of traditional flair with choices of the present in every nook and cranny. The aisles are chocked full of hardware and tools, gardening items, paint, bird feeders, fishing tackle, hunting supplies, locks and more. Tucked in one corner of the store you'll find gift items, wind chimes, pottery and kitchenware, and there are over two acres of land is dedicated to shrubs, native flowers, plants and trees - many of which are grown by the Gaddy family.

Loyal customers have walked through their doors again and again over the past three decades. Many who came as children now bring their children, and conversation is on a first name basis. Today the business continues to operate by Frank, his son Mark, and Mark's wife, Kim, and anyone one of them can concisely answer just about any question you come in with. Like my husband always says, "If you don't know, just ask Mr. Gaddy!"

If you live or shop in Pflugerville, please help support our local small businesses. Stores like these aren't opening anymore and are a part of the Pflugerville's small-town history that we need to preserve.

Gaddy's is open 7 days a week. Address: 403 Fm 685 Pflugerville Texas - Phone (512) 251-4428 - Web: Gaddys Hardware

If your relocating to Texas or already here and would like more information about selling or buying a home in Pflugerville, Austin, Round Rock, Hutto or Cedar Park & Leander , I welcome your call or email.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995- Gaston & Sheehan Realty - 512 217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Austin & Round Rock did it again! Another blockbuster ranking! This time reported by Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners on September 16. According to their report, Austin-Round Rock region ranks 4^th place among the 2008 Best Performing Cities! The components for establishing ranking of large cities for this report include job, wage, salary and technology growth.

Having lived here for 26 years, it's easy for me to see why the Austin area consistently ranks high on the list of best places to live for so many reasons!

View full report here: 2008 Best Cities

The Texas Crime Prevention Association sponsors an awards program annually to select top crime prevention specialists and activities in a number of categories throughout the state. This year one of Pflugerville's own earned the award of Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager of the Year. Chief Hooker was recognized for the many successful crime prevention programs that he supports and offers to the citizens of Pflugerville.

These programs include:

* Strong supporter of the D.A.R.E. program
* Residential & Commercial Crime Prevention Surveys
* National Night Out
* Bicycle Rodeo
* Drop It and Lock It campaign (to eradicate theft)
* Child ID
* Neighborhood Watch
* Engraver Loaner Program
* Stranger Danger presentations
* Citizens Police Academy and Citizens On Patrol
* S.A.L.T. (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together) participation
* Code Blue
* Close Patrol Program for citizens who are out-of-town
* Child Safety Gun Lock Program
* Child Safety Program in school zones (officer cut-outs)

Congrtaulations to Chief Hooker!