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Austin Considers Movie Censors

Tuesday, May 10, 1921 special called
  • Austin city leaders opened discussions on whether to appoint a "moving picture sensor" for films.
  • Arguments were heard from the public, both supporting and opposing the creation of this film oversight position.
  • No immediate decision was made, with the matter taken under advisement for future consideration.

Full Transcript

! i 160 : to May lat, 1919, for the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Councilman Haynes moved that Upleger & Falk be allowed the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) extra in addition to their contract. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; nayes, none. The Council then recessed, SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, May 10,1921. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Bearight, 5; absent, none, After hearing a number of arguments for and against the appointment of a moving picture sensor, the Council took the matter under advisement. The Council then adjourned. Jor Stormeby REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, May 12, 1921, The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; absent, none. The Minutes of the last meetings were read and upon motion of Counoilman Haynes were adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Coun- oilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; nayes, none. Upon the recommendation of Sam D. Griffin, Chief of Police, Councilman Copeland nominated the following to be Special Policemen of the City of Austin: B. B. Neans, J. F. Martin, George W. Patterson, and O. M. Roberts, Special Watchmen at Texas State University; S. M. Foster, Special Watchman for Guy Collett at the Dam; Bob Rockwood, Special Duties at Picture Shows; J. A. Nelson, R. L. Ziller, A. H. Pool, C. W. Barker, Frederick J. Bohn, A. W. Von Struve, H. C. Edgar, and Harvey Harrell, to assist in enforcement of traffic laws; J. K. Rambo, City Park Policeman;