HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to join the fine 1-2 residents of Comanche County in celebration of Comanche County Day 1-3 at the State Capitol on March 5, 1997; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Named for the Comanche Indians who once ruled the 1-5 Southwest Plains, both the county and town of Comanche were 1-6 established in 1856 near the settlement of Cora, which was then the 1-7 county seat and the site of "Old Cora," the only courthouse in the 1-8 area; many years later, this historic building was restored and 1-9 moved to Comanche, and it has earned the distinction of being the 1-10 oldest original existing courthouse in Texas; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Today "Old Cora" sits along the town square under 1-12 the spreading branches of the legendary Fleming Oak, a beautiful 1-13 oak tree that was saved from destruction by a gun-wielding settler 1-14 named Martin Fleming; as a young man growing up in the wild 1-15 frontier days of the town, Mr. Fleming had hidden behind the tree 1-16 to escape an Indian attack, and because he believed that the tree 1-17 had saved his life that day, he pledged to defend it against 1-18 encroaching development; and 1-19 WHEREAS, The determined Texan got his wish, and both "Old 1-20 Cora" and the Fleming Oak stand on the county's Courthouse Square; 1-21 a locally and federally funded beautification project is currently 1-22 enhancing the quaint charm of the town square, and the addition of 1-23 new sidewalks, landscaping, and a public park will ensure that 1-24 future generations will be able to enjoy these historic relics for 2-1 many years to come; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Nestled in the hills of Central Texas, Comanche 2-3 County benefits from abundant natural resources that have given 2-4 rise to a diverse agricultural economy; the region's fertile soil 2-5 and warm, sunny weather make the county the top producer of 2-6 peanuts, pecans, watermelons, and cantaloupes, and local dairy 2-7 production yields nearly 30 million pounds of milk a year; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Abundant water and a plentiful food supply of 2-9 peanuts, oats, and other grains have also nurtured an outstanding 2-10 wildlife population, and the Comanche area offers 4,000 acres of 2-11 prime hunting and fishing opportunities; trophy white tail bucks in 2-12 excess of 20 points have been taken there, and local Rio Grande 2-13 turkeys have set world records for both size and beard length; and 2-14 WHEREAS, At nearby Lake Proctor, visitors can choose from a 2-15 variety of water sports and recreational activities; anglers enjoy 2-16 a plentiful stock of striper, bass, catfish, crappie, and perch, 2-17 while a nearby 18-hole golf course enables visitors to challenge 2-18 themselves on the links; and 2-19 WHEREAS, Comanche County residents celebrate their colorful 2-20 heritage and spirit throughout the year with festive events such as 2-21 the annual July rodeo, the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival, and 2-22 the famed Comanche County Pow-Wow, which features an arts and 2-23 crafts show, a cook-off, Indian dances, and other family-oriented 2-24 entertainment; and 2-25 WHEREAS, The people of Comanche County take justifiable pride 2-26 in their rich and colorful history, as well as in the natural 2-27 beauty of their region; this unique county and its citizens have 3-1 played a significant role in Texas' development, and their many 3-2 contributions to the Lone Star State are indeed worthy of special 3-3 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 3-4 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 3-5 hereby designate March 5, 1997, as Comanche County Day at the 3-6 Capitol and join the citizens of Comanche County in paying tribute 3-7 to one of Texas' finest communities; and, be it further 3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-9 prepared for the people of Comanche County as a commemoration of 3-10 this grand occasion and as an expression of high regard by the 3-11 Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Place _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 105 was adopted by the House on March 5, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 105 was adopted by the Senate on March 5, 1997, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor