Textual Materials, 1972-1983

The documents and photographs comprising The Raw Deal Collection span 1972-1983 and document the activities and operation of “The Raw Deal” and “Another Raw Deal” restaurants in Austin, Texas. The collection is arranged into two series: Textual Materials and Photographs. Photographs comprise the bulk of the collection and document the diversity of patrons who frequented The Raw Deal. In the 1970s and early 1980s, The Raw Deal became a symposium of sorts for notable writers, journalists, artists, musicians, and politicians in Austin. The affordability of the restaurant and the no-frills atmosphere also resulting in a convergence of individuals from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Textual Materials series contains four sub-series: Ephemera, Correspondence, Newsprint, and Artwork. Ephemera materials include announcements, press releases, work schedules, recipes, and flyers. A notable inclusion is the official program containing the oath of office former Texas Governor Ann Richards took for the Texas State Treasurer elected position, as Richards opted to take her oath of office inside The Raw Deal restaurant.

Correspondence in the collection includes letters and postcards sent to The Raw Deal restaurant and its owners. This sub-series is primarily composed of correspondence between co-owner Fletcher Boone and public officials who frequented the restaurant, such as Bob Bullock and Jim Hightower. Newsprint materials consist of published articles and reviews of The Raw Deal, as well as articles about patrons such as Ann Richards, Dan Jenkins, Gerry Goldstein, and Gary Cartwright. Artwork in the collection was used to advertise and decorate The Raw Deal, Another Raw Deal, and The Armadillo World Headquarters.

The Photographs series contains a large number of both loose and framed photographs documenting the patrons, activities, and building facilities of The Raw Deal. Photographs include notable persons such as Ann Richards, David Richards, Bob Bullock, Ralph Yarborough, Kenneth Threadgill, co-owners Fletcher Boone and Jim “Lopez” Smitham, Bob Armstrong, musician Jerry Jeff Walker, and journalist Kay Northcott.