Another Austin Legend Passes

Dear Editor,
    Re: My grandma, Sarah Emily (Boyd) Ransom, “Nina,” owner of the Dry Creek Cafe (April 23, 1913-April 16, 2009): Another great figure of Austin's history has passed away. Sarah bought the Dry Creek Cafe and boat dock from her brother in 1956. At this time, her business existed for the local Hill Country citizens ("cedar choppers"). This was when she developed her tough manner and colorful language. In the 1970s, when the drinking age was lowered to 18, the college crowd discovered the Dry Creek. At this time, Austin's Sixth Street was not fashionable nor developed as a college hangout. Her business boomed, and she served a great hamburger. They saw a crusty woman and saw her as their second mother. She ran the business for 50 years by herself, and therefore you were always told to bring your bottle back down. No empty bottle, no more beer. This also prevented people from throwing the bottles off the deck of the bar. In 1984, the Dry Creek and surrounding area were incorporated into the Austin city limits, and the drinking age was raised to 21. She was ordered to bring her rental houses and trailers up to code. This almost broke her. She decided to sell the property to her son so he could lease it back to her and gift her the lease payments. He also agreed to pay all her maintenance costs and property taxes plus a yearly mortgage payment. Her son, Jay Reynolds, still owns and runs the bar today.