By Alexander                                           H.R. No. 526
       74R9024 PFG-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The city of Athens is home to many proud Texans who
    1-2  have contributed greatly to the history and culture of Texas, both
    1-3  through their efforts to preserve the area's rich legacy for future
    1-4  generations and through their achievements in promoting the
    1-5  plentiful merits of their community to visitors and residents
    1-6  alike; and
    1-7        WHEREAS, This flourishing city of about 11,000 residents was
    1-8  founded in 1850 when it was handpicked by the board of land
    1-9  commissioners as the ideal site to serve as the new Henderson
   1-10  County Seat, and was named for either Athens, Greece, or Athens,
   1-11  Georgia, depending on whom you talk to in this charming East Texas
   1-12  community; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Nestled among the enchanting hills and forests of
   1-14  this picturesque region of our state, Athens got its commercial
   1-15  start as a manufacturer of bricks and pottery, and today is a
   1-16  thriving industrial center that produces a diverse assortment of
   1-17  high-tech consumer goods such as pleasure boats, televisions, and
   1-18  precision medical devices, while continuing to manufacture the
   1-19  bricks on which its success was built; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, The birthplace of possibly the most popular
   1-21  fast-food staple in the world--the hamburger--this quintessential
   1-22  American fare was created by Fletcher Davis in a cafe on the
   1-23  Athens' courthouse square in the late 1800s, an accomplishment that
   1-24  is justly celebrated each September at the Uncle Fletch Davis Home
    2-1  of the Hamburger Cook-off & Trade Fair; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Visitors to this lively town can experience regional
    2-3  history at the Henderson County Historical Museum, sample
    2-4  delicious, locally made cheesecake at the New York (Texas)
    2-5  Cheesecake Outlet, and even earn their scuba diving certification
    2-6  in the crystalline waters of Athens Scuba Park; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, A recreational paradise, Athens is surrounded by
    2-8  spectacular lakes and reservoirs, including popular Lake Athens,
    2-9  which offers superb fishing and boating opportunities to the many
   2-10  water enthusiasts who flock to the area; nearby Purtis Creek State
   2-11  Recreation Area provides a perfect weekend getaway for campers,
   2-12  hikers, and those just wishing to relax in the park's rejuvenating
   2-13  natural splendor; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, This bustling locale also serves as the site of
   2-15  Trinity Valley Community College and the state fish hatchery and
   2-16  museum, and it draws thousands of visitors each year to music
   2-17  events, fairs, and jamborees; and
   2-18        WHEREAS, Athens has a great deal to offer both Texans and out
   2-19  of state visitors, but the city's greatest asset is undoubtedly its
   2-20  friendly, energetic, and progressive citizens, who have molded
   2-21  their community into an ideal place in which to live and work; at
   2-22  this time, it gives the members of this chamber great pleasure to
   2-23  honor the citizens of Athens and the community they are proud to
   2-24  call home; now, therefore, be it
   2-25        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-26  Legislature hereby designate April 3, 1995, as Athens Day at the
   2-27  State Capitol, and commend the citizens of Athens for their efforts
    3-1  in building one of Texas' finest communities; and, be it further
    3-2        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-3  prepared for prominent display in Athens as an expression of high
    3-4  regard by the Texas House of Representatives.