H.R. No. 243
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, On March 4 and 5, 1995, the Texas House of
    1-2  Representatives will join with the residents of Gaines County in
    1-3  recognizing the 90th anniversary of the organization of this
    1-4  illustrious county; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Created from Bexar County in 1876, Gaines County was
    1-6  officially organized on October 24, 1905, with the city of Seminole
    1-7  as its county seat; named in honor of James Gaines, a senator in
    1-8  the Texas Congress and a signer of the Texas Declaration of
    1-9  Independence, this beautiful county has made many significant
   1-10  economic and cultural contributions to the Lone Star State; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, Originally inhabited by the Comanche Indians, the
   1-12  majestic high plains of Gaines County were once blanketed with
   1-13  countless herds of American bison and later supported many
   1-14  successful cattle operations; by 1920, the hardworking citizens of
   1-15  this county had made cotton growing a viable economic pursuit and,
   1-16  following the discovery of several major oil fields during the
   1-17  1930s, the county established itself as one of our state's leading
   1-18  oil producers; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike enjoy Gaines County's
   1-20  many charming cultural, historical, and recreational facilities,
   1-21  including the Gaines County Park, a favorite weekend spot for
   1-22  golfing and picnicking; the Gaines County Museum and Art Center
   1-23  includes extensive collections of pioneer memorabilia, and visitors
   1-24  may enjoy displays of antique farming and firefighting equipment at
    2-1  the old depot houses located nearby; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, On March 4 and 5, 1995, the residents of Gaines
    2-3  County will gather to pay tribute to this remarkable area with a
    2-4  special celebration commemorating the 90th anniversary of the
    2-5  organization of Gaines County; the first day will feature a
    2-6  historical fair, which will include exhibits tracing the
    2-7  fascinating history of the county, while the second day will be
    2-8  devoted to entertainment and an old-fashioned picnic on the grounds
    2-9  of the Gaines County Civic Center in Seminole; and
   2-10        WHEREAS, Blessed with a rich heritage, abundant natural
   2-11  resources, and a dynamic citizenry, Gaines County is truly one of
   2-12  our state's most notable counties, and the efforts of its dedicated
   2-13  residents indeed merit special recognition and praise; now,
   2-14  therefore, be it
   2-15        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-16  Legislature hereby recognize the 90th anniversary of the
   2-17  organization of Gaines County and extend warmest best wishes to the
   2-18  citizens of Gaines County for a happy and enjoyable celebration;
   2-19  and, be it further
   2-20        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-21  prepared for Gaines County as an expression of high regard by the
   2-22  Texas House of Representatives.