By Walker H.R. No. 243 74R6025 KMP-D 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.