By:  Nelson                                      S.R. No. 644
    1-1                           SENATE RESOLUTION
    1-2        WHEREAS, Stephenville, Texas, was recently cited as one
    1-3  of the 100 best small towns in America in a book published by
    1-4  Prentice Hall, and the Texas Senate is proud to concur in this
    1-5  designation; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Towns were chosen for the listing where the
    1-7  traditional values of family, community, faith, hard work, and
    1-8  patriotism remain strong; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Texas is blessed with an abundance of beautiful
   1-10  small towns scattered throughout the state, and Stephenville is
   1-11  a splendid example of what makes the Lone Star State great; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, Centrally located in Erath County, Stephenville was
   1-13  named for John Stephen who settled there in 1854 with his brother,
   1-14  William; the brothers owned and operated the first store and when
   1-15  Erath County was organized in 1856, John donated the townsite for
   1-16  the county seat; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, Stephenville is the center of an agricultural and
   1-18  livestock community, and the county is the state's second-largest
   1-19  dairy producer; its diverse economy boasts one of the largest tree
   1-20  nurseries in the Southwest as well as a dress factory; the area is
   1-21  a leading producer of the popular Coastal Bermuda range grass; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, Proud of its history and its dedication to education,
   1-23  Stephenville is the home of a historical house museum complex and
    2-1  Tarleton State University; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Instilled with an abiding appreciation for their
    2-3  rich heritage and tradition, the residents of Stephenville display
    2-4  a remarkable community spirit and a firm belief in their future; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, Dynamic, industrious, and determined, the citizens
    2-6  of Stephenville are its greatest assets; they are responsible for
    2-7  creating and sustaining one of the most desirable towns in America
    2-8  in which to work and live; the residents of Stephenville are truly
    2-9  worthy of the honor bestowed on them; now, therefore, be it
   2-10        RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
   2-11  73rd Legislature, hereby recognize Stephenville, Texas, as one
   2-12  of the best small towns in Texas and the nation and pay tribute
   2-13  to its citizens who have made and continue to make important
   2-14  contributions to our state; and, be it further
   2-15        RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an
   2-16  expression of the admiration and appreciation of the Texas Senate.
   2-17                                 _____________________________________
   2-18                                        President of the Senate
   2-19                                      I hereby certify that the
   2-20                                 above Resolution was adopted by
   2-21                                 the Senate on April 20, 1993.
   2-22                                 _____________________________________
   2-23                                        Secretary of the Senate
   2-24                                 _____________________________________
   2-25                                         Member, Texas Senate