In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Armadillo World Headquarters grand opening, Threadgill’s Old No. 1 Auction will be held Saturday, August 8th.
When Eddie Wilson opened the Armadillo World Headquarters August 7th & 8th, 1970, Austin was changed forever. The August 8th Threadgill’s Auction will feature Eddie & Sandra Wilson’s collection of Armadillo World Headquarters posters, Janis Joplin, Kenneth Threadgill & Austin music memorabilia, vintage beer signs & more from the historic original Threadgill’s location in Austin, Texas.
After waiting in line all night to get the first liquor license in Austin Texas following the repeal of prohibition, Kenneth Threadgill opened his gas station / beer joint in 1933. It didn’t take long for it to become a second home for local musicians. By the 1960s Threadgill’s Wednesday night jam sessions were a draw to musicians including Janis Joplin who sang here often, developing her style that would make her the first female rock & roll star. By 1981 Threadgill’s was facing the wrecking ball until Eddie Wilson bought it. After the Armadillo World Headquarters closed on New Years Eve 1980, Eddie Wilson opened Threadgill’s on New Year’s Eve 1981 & has been serving Southern comfort food & live music 365 days a year until closing recently, ending 87 years worth of music history.
The auction will feature a world class collection of Austin music memorabilia, concert posters, vintage neon beer signs & much more. Original Janis Joplin Burton Wilson photos & memorabilia, Kenneth Threadgill’s platinum record, early Texas beer signs, Armadillo World Headquarters posters, custom neon signs & much more! PLUS the John Paul & Diana Hudson Advertising & Sign Collection. Featuring early Texas beer signs, porcelain signs, gas & oil signs, country store & more. Much of Eddie’s beer sign collection was originally purchased from them 40 years ago. Plus the Chuck Stern Poster Collection featuring a large selection of scarce Jim Franklin, Armadillo World Headquarters & Vulcan Gas Co. posters, including the opening night posters for both.
Preview by appointment only August 7th. Call 830-629-9280 for appointment or assistance.
This will be a live auction on location at Threadgill’s with internet, phone & absentee bidding available. 15%BP TX#15184
Due to crowd restrictions & social distancing rules, please bid HERE through the online catalog or call ahead to register to phone bid.
Comments