Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

301 E. Sixth Street

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

1. 301 E. Sixth Street Marker

Inscription. Joe Lung came to Austin in his teens, after working on the California railroad gangs. In 1897, he opened Joe Lung Café, but did not serve Chinese food. Instead, his classic Southern American fare was dubbed by his customers as “a hash-house with heart.” But Joe served up something else at his restaurant - trust. Farm families would sell their produce on Friday, and bring their money to Grandpa Joe for safekeeping in his trademark "little red box." He lent money to people who couldn't go to the banks, especially minorities. All was done on a handshake, with nothing but “Pay me when you can." Grandpa Joe never lost a dime for his generosity.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 30° 16.034′ N, 97° 44.421′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of East 6th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, on the left when traveling west on East 6th Street. The marker is located at the corner of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 E 6th

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St, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Leslie (within shouting distance of this marker); Monroe Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Platt-Simpson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Charles House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named St. Charles House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ritz Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith-Hage Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Jerry Creagh (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

The view of the marker along the corner of the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, circa February 22, 2025

2. The view of the marker along the corner of the building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 228 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.