87S31631 BHH-D

By: Morrison H.R. No. 292

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Nordheim are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of their community, and this occasion is indeed deserving of special recognition; and

WHEREAS, In 1895, H. Runge and Company of Cuero laid out a townsite seven miles west of Yorktown on the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway and sold the first block to Henry Schlosser Jr., who later became the first postmaster; originally known as Weldon Switch, the town's name was changed in 1897, when William Frobese, president of Runge and Company, suggested that the community be named Nordheim after his hometown in Germany; and

WHEREAS, The town flourished as an important center for poultry farming as well as for shipping cotton, truck crops, and lumber, and by 1915, the population grew to 400; a number of businesses were established during the early years of the 1900s, including a hotel, a bank, a newspaper, canning and hosiery factories, and a number of saloons; residents also founded the Nordheim Brass Band and such German social organizations as the Schuetzen Verein shooting club, the Fortschritt theater club, and a Sons of Hermann Lodge; and

WHEREAS, In 1927, the town contained 600 people, and that same year the Nordheim Independent School District was established; three years later, a devastating tornado struck the city, killing 18 people, but area residents persevered and rebuilt; today, Nordheim retains its quiet charm and characteristic German heritage, which are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Working to preserve their town's rich history as they build an even brighter future, the citizens of Nordheim may indeed take great pride in their community as they celebrate this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 125th anniversary of Nordheim and extend to its residents sincere best wishes for the future.