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