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.