1-1 By: Pitts (Senate Sponsor - Nelson) H.C.R. No. 14 1-2 (In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 1997; 1-3 May 9, 1997, read first time and referred to Committee on 1-4 Administration; May 15, 1997, reported favorably by the following 1-5 vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 15, 1997, sent to printer.) 1-6 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-7 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle has been a distinctive part of the 1-8 Texas landscape for more than 100 years, and this striking shrub 1-9 never fails to add a touch of class and beauty to its surroundings; 1-10 and 1-11 WHEREAS, Many Texans appreciate the splendor of the crape 1-12 myrtle and have taken a special interest in its proliferation in 1-13 their communities, making it difficult to traverse our great state 1-14 without witnessing the plant's annual summer flush of color; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Originally imported from China, the crape myrtle, 1-16 Lagerstroemia indica, has thrived in the Lone Star State's often 1-17 brutal climate, and the establishment of these hardy hybrids has 1-18 done much to encourage tourism for many Texas cities while also 1-19 bolstering civic pride among their residents; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In 1857, the wife of Confederate General Sam Bell 1-21 Maxey introduced the crape myrtle to Paris, Texas, and in 1916, 1-22 after a fire devastated this Northeast Texas town, one of the 1-23 community's first beautification projects incorporated these 1-24 colorful shrubs; several years later, newspaper publisher A. G. 1-25 "Pat" Mayse further established the city's link to the plant when 1-26 he sold thousands of crape myrtle seedlings for 25 cents each as 1-27 Paris's residents prepared to celebrate Texas' centennial; and 1-28 WHEREAS, More recently, citizens planted crape myrtles along 1-29 the 18-mile stretch of highway between Paris and the Texas-Oklahoma 1-30 border; this prominent display provides a distinctive welcome to 1-31 travelers entering the Lone Star State from the north and offers a 1-32 memorable Texas farewell to those individuals who must leave the 1-33 friendly confines of our state; and 1-34 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle enjoys an equally prominent 1-35 position in the annals of Waxahachie, where the Crape Myrtle 1-36 Council has endeavored to further beautify this lovely city with 1-37 the addition of 2,000 crape myrtles; community volunteers have 1-38 rallied together to assist in the planting and maintenance of the 1-39 shrubs in a region that already boasts a profusion of these unique 1-40 plants; and 1-41 WHEREAS, Throughout the town, dazzling blooms subtly accent 1-42 the rustic charm of Waxahachie's elaborate Victorian-style homes, 1-43 framing these stunning structures in a springtime explosion of red, 1-44 white, pink, and lavender and enticing visitors from across the 1-45 country to visit this historic city; and 1-46 WHEREAS, The rich soil of Brazos County is epecially suited 1-47 for growing these exquisite plants, and their foliage provides a 1-48 dramatic complement to the county's magnificent oaks for many 1-49 months each year; reflecting their concern for the natural beauty 1-50 and ecology of their community, members of Brazos Beautiful, Inc., 1-51 have planted crape myrtles in parks and public areas to promote a 1-52 cleaner, healthier, and more attractive environment; and 1-53 WHEREAS, The organization's tireless efforts have greatly 1-54 enhanced College Station's Richard Carter Park, where visitors can 1-55 stroll along paths dotted with more than 20 varieties of crape 1-56 myrtle, delighting in their showy blossoms; gracing urban areas and 1-57 parklands throughout Brazos County, the crape myrtle has come to 1-58 symbolize the community's sense of self-esteem and civic 1-59 cooperation; and 1-60 WHEREAS, The history of the crape myrtle is indelibly linked 1-61 to Lamar County and the city of Paris, and its unique relationship 1-62 with both Waxahachie and Brazos County is also well known among 1-63 Texans; the citizens of these communities and the many 1-64 organizations within them are to be commended as they continue in 2-1 their efforts to promote the propagation of this enchanting plant 2-2 in Texas; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-4 hereby formally recognize the valuable addition of the crape myrtle 2-5 to our native flora and declare the crape myrtle the Official State 2-6 Shrub of Texas; and, be it further 2-7 RESOLVED, That Lamar County be declared the Crape Myrtle 2-8 County Capital and that Paris, its county seat, be designated the 2-9 Official Crape Myrtle City for their longtime association with the 2-10 celebrated shrub; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That Waxahachie be declared the Crape Myrtle 2-12 Capital of Texas and that Brazos County be recognized as an 2-13 Official Crape Myrtle County for their communities' lasting 2-14 contributions to the beautification of Texas. 2-15 * * * * *