HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to welcome the many 1-2 citizens of Grand Prairie who have traveled to the Capitol City on 1-3 March 12, 1997, to celebrate Grand Prairie Day at the Capitol; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The city owes its existence to A. M. Dechman, an 1-5 intrepid Canadian who, in 1863, traded his broken wagon, a team of 1-6 oxen, and $200 in Confederate scrip for the land where the city now 1-7 sits; originally named for its founder, the community was renamed 1-8 Grand Prairie in 1877 to agree with the name by which the railroad 1-9 referred to this vast flatland area, and the town was incorporated 1-10 25 years later in 1902; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Located along the Texas and Pacific Railroad between 1-12 Fort Worth and Dallas, the city's ideal location has made it a hub 1-13 of commerce for North Texas and the surrounding areas; in 1928, the 1-14 city received an additional economic windfall when Hensley Field 1-15 was built just outside Grand Prairie's city limits for use by the 1-16 United States military; and 1-17 WHEREAS, This one-time Indian trading territory still serves 1-18 as a haven of commerce for its residents, with many of the city's 1-19 energetic and industrious citizens employed by the defense industry 1-20 or by one of the various manufacturers that have established 1-21 themselves there; and 1-22 WHEREAS, A popular tourist destination, Grand Prairie is home 1-23 to the Palace of Wax and Ripley's Believe It or Not!, both of which 1-24 provide unique and fascinating family fun; in addition, Traders 2-1 Village is a flea market and shoppers' bazaar that offers visitors 2-2 106 acres of distinctive items ranging from antiques to arts and 2-3 crafts; and 2-4 WHEREAS, In 1974, Grand Prairie was recognized as an 2-5 All-America City after the city's leaders completed a major 2-6 renovation of the historic downtown area; this type of leadership 2-7 is typically seen in this noteworthy city and has created a great 2-8 sense of pride among its citizens; and 2-9 WHEREAS, This fine community and its citizens continue to 2-10 play a significant role in Texas' development, and their many 2-11 contributions to the Lone Star State are truly worthy of special 2-12 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-14 hereby recognize March 12, 1997, as Grand Prairie Day at the 2-15 Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the esteemed citizens who have 2-16 traveled to Austin to celebrate this significant day. Allen Garcia Pitts _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 124 was adopted by the House on March 12, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 124 was adopted by the Senate on May 28, 1997, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor