By Tillery                                     H.C.R. No. 129

      75R8072 JHS-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, On March 24, 1997, many proud residents of Balch

 1-2     Springs will be in Austin to celebrate Balch Springs Day at the

 1-3     State Capitol; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The history of this fine community dates back to

 1-5     1877, when John Balch and his family settled in this North Texas

 1-6     region; Mr. Balch bricked up one of the three freshwater springs on

 1-7     his property to ensure a constant source of fresh water for the

 1-8     area, and local settlers soon began to gather at this oasis to

 1-9     collect water during the hot, dry summer months; and

1-10           WHEREAS, A veteran of the struggle for Texas' independence

1-11     from Mexico, Mr. Balch fought in the Battle of San Jacinto, and

1-12     Balch Springs has the distinction of being the only city in Dallas

1-13     County that is named for a veteran of that historic conflict; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Since its incorporation on June 13, 1953, Balch

1-15     Springs has continued to prosper, thanks in part to its excellent

1-16     location and the commitment and dedication of its citizens; this

1-17     beautiful city features abundant trees and many public parks where

1-18     residents can relax and exercise with their families; and

1-19           WHEREAS, Rodeo and horseback riding are popular pastimes

1-20     among the city's 18,000 residents, and the citizens of Balch

1-21     Springs are fortunate to have access to several excellent venues,

1-22     including the  nationally recognized Mesquite Rodeo and the Balch

1-23     Springs Saddle Club; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Balch Springs is served by both the Dallas and

 2-1     Mesquite Independent School Districts and boasts four outstanding

 2-2     schools; the city's business and government leaders have pledged

 2-3     themselves to continuing the economic development of the community,

 2-4     and with the help of the local chamber of commerce, they have

 2-5     attracted many new businesses and industries to the area; and

 2-6           WHEREAS, The people of Balch Springs are justifiably proud of

 2-7     their city, for this unique community and its exceptional citizens

 2-8     have played a significant role in Texas' development, and their

 2-9     many contributions to the Lone Star State are truly worthy of

2-10     special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it

2-11           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

2-12     hereby recognize March 24, 1997, as Balch Springs Day at the State

2-13     Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the fine residents who have

2-14     journeyed to Austin to celebrate this grand event.