A reader asked me about the history of Westcott Sports Complex. She had an undated photo showing when the football stadium was new with open farm land to the west of the field.

The stadium was built in 1940 as a Works Progress Administration project. The 20-acre site was known as the Athletic Field until 1977 when it was named in honor of former AHS principal Ray Wescott.

According to “Progressive Austin 1940-1941,” the improvements to the field included field houses for boys and girls and six concrete tennis courts. The stadium was built as the east side first, then the west side. When complete with 4,000 seats, it gave Austin one of the best recreational complexes in the region.

Reader Mike Ruzek contributed source material to this article.

Saturday: Tour from New Ulm, 11:45 a.m.

 Coming soon

Meet “Mr. Vegas Man” for Holiday Show

The HHH and the Austin Public Library will present a free show to the public to celebrate the fun of the holiday season.

Entertainer Mr. Vegas Man will appear at the HHH on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The “Sensational Christmas Holiday Show” is free and open to the public with no registration required.

Mr. Vegas Man will present songs from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s including some sing-along tunes. His Las-Vegas-style act will also inject comedy and impressions into the musical fun.

 Paramount Presents “5 by Design”

Plan to attend the Radio Holly-Days show by vocal group 5 by Design at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, December 16 and enjoy a dinner package at the Hormel Historic Home before the show.

The VIP package is $45 per person and includes your show ticket ($15) and a unique chef-created multi-course dinner at the HHH before the show. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. A shuttle will be provided to the theatre, or take the short stroll to the Paramount if the weather permits. The Radio Holly-Days show will feature 1930s- and 1940s-era holiday hits including classics by Bing, the Andrew Sisters, Betty Grable and Glenn Miller—heartwarming music that made Christmas special to the boys overseas during World War II. Purchase your VIP Package through the Paramount box office at 434-0934.