Emmett Shelton (1905-2000) was a defense attorney for some of Austin's most notorious hustlers and shares first-hand tales from roughly 100 years ago, 
        The Depression years brought out the hustlers who were looking for a quick buck. Emmett represented one such gambler who turned his talent into a legend.
         Sgt. Posie Hill (future co-owner of Hills Cafe) was an expert dice player in east Austin in the 1930s. In WWII, he was stationed in Honolulu. In one night, he won $30k in a gambling house (2024 value $565,500). When he got back to Austin, Posie used the winnings to partner with Charles Goodnight in Hill's Cafe on South Congress. 

Posie created a South Austin landmark with his talent. Many Austinites have lifelong memories of events in their lives that wouldn't have been the same without Hill's Cafe. Thanks Posie

#austingamblers
#austinhistory
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Music: "In the Danger Zone" by Emmett's son, Polk Shelton

For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake

Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.

Tags: Austin historyHills Cafe. Emmett SheltonAustin Gamblers

For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake

Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.