By: Haywood S.R. No. 716
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 WHEREAS, Wichita Falls is a major gateway city for people
1-3 visiting Texas, and in their initial exposure to this great state
1-4 these visitors encounter a distinctive city of some 100,000
1-5 hardworking citizens who are noted for their friendly hospitality
1-6 and strong sense of community; and
1-7 WHEREAS, Traveling from the north, one also beholds the
1-8 impressive new Wichita Falls, 54-feet of attractively terraced
1-9 rocks over which water cascades before merging with the Wichita
1-10 River; and
1-11 WHEREAS, The waterfall replaces a small one that was the
1-12 city's namesake, which washed away over 100 years ago, and it
1-13 symbolizes both the city's frontier past and its progressive
1-14 approach to being a community that is a tribute to its people
1-15 now and in the future; and
1-16 WHEREAS, The area was once the home of the Wichitas, a
1-17 Plains Indian tribe, and the earlier falls were a landmark for
1-18 frontiersmen and explorers; and
1-19 WHEREAS, Wichita Falls traces its birth to September 27, 1882,
1-20 when the first train arrived with prospective buyers for lots in
1-21 the townsite that had been laid out in 1876 by John A. Scott, Jr.;
1-22 and
1-23 WHEREAS, The city soon became an important agriculture,
2-1 cattle, and manufacturing center; in 1909, milling and grain
2-2 shipping were prominent, the Wichita Falls Window Glass Company
2-3 was founded in 1912, and in the 1930s the city produced three
2-4 percent of the nation's window glass; today, PPG Industries
2-5 operates the world's largest float glass plant there; and
2-6 WHEREAS, After the famous Fowler Number 1 struck oil in
2-7 1918 in Burkburnett, petroleum became the leading component of
2-8 the city's economy; and
2-9 WHEREAS, World War I pilots were trained at Call Field, and
2-10 military aviation is still a notable part of the city as it is the
2-11 home of Sheppard Air Force Base; and
2-12 WHEREAS, Wichita Falls public schools are highly regarded, and
2-13 Midwestern State University is widely esteemed for its strong and
2-14 diverse academic programs and for having one of the nation's top
2-15 intercollegiate soccer teams; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Numerous surrounding lakes provide the city with
2-17 abundant water resources and outstanding recreational opportunities;
2-18 and
2-19 WHEREAS, The community spirit of its citizens is responsible
2-20 for the "Fantasy of Lights" at Midwestern State University, which
2-21 is considered one of the best Christmas light displays in the state
2-22 and attracts many visitors; and
2-23 WHEREAS, Wichita Falls indeed has many fine qualities but its
2-24 greatest resource is its citizens, and Wednesday, April 12, 1995,
2-25 has been designated Wichita Falls Day to honor them; now, therefore,
3-1 be it
3-2 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-3 74th Legislature, hereby recognize April 12, 1995, as Wichita Falls
3-4 Day in Texas to commemorate the many significant contributions of
3-5 its citizens, past and present, to this state's heritage and
3-6 greatness; and, be it further
3-7 RESOLVED, That official copies of this Resolution be prepared
3-8 for officials and other residents of Wichita Falls who are visiting
3-9 the Capitol on this grand occasion as mementos of highest regard
3-10 from the Texas Senate.
3-11 ______________________________________
3-12 President of the Senate
3-13 I hereby certify that the above
3-14 Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-15 on April 12, 1995.
3-16 ______________________________________
3-17 Secretary of the Senate
3-18 ______________________________________
3-19 Member, Texas Senate