By Wohlgemuth H.C.R. No. 150 75R8198 SAJ-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to designate the 1-2 community of Clifton the Norwegian Capital of Texas and to join 1-3 with our fellow citizens in paying tribute to the region's rich 1-4 cultural heritage; and 1-5 WHEREAS, The area's history dates back to 1854, when noted 1-6 settlers Cleng Peerson and Ole Canuteson established the community 1-7 of Norse in Bosque County, and today the town of Clifton is home to 1-8 the largest population of Norwegian Americans in the South and 1-9 Southwest; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The people of Clifton have done an admirable job of 1-11 preserving the community's vibrant past; visitors and residents 1-12 alike can tour the historic Norway Mill and the log home of the 1-13 Joseph Olson family, and they can learn more about the region and 1-14 its early settlers at the Bosque Memorial Museum, which is a legacy 1-15 of immigrant farmer Jacob Olson; and 1-16 WHEREAS, In addition, people of all ages can sample a 1-17 traditional Norwegian dish, lutefisk, at Our Savior's Lutheran 1-18 Church, which also hosts an immensely popular smorgasbord every 1-19 Christmas; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Clifton's unique historical and cultural 1-21 significance has earned the community great renown; a portion of 1-22 State Highway 219 has been designated the Cleng Peerson Memorial 1-23 Highway, and King Olav V of Norway visited the area in 1982; more 1-24 recently, the Texas Historical Commission named the town a Texas 2-1 Main Street City in recognition of its warmth and diversity; and 2-2 WHEREAS, These fine attributes and many more have made 2-3 Clifton a charming and friendly place where visitors can stop by 2-4 and experience firsthand the community's special atmosphere, and it 2-5 is truly a pleasure to honor the town and its residents at this 2-6 time; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-8 hereby designate Clifton the Norwegian Capital of Texas and commend 2-9 its citizens for their outstanding efforts in preserving the 2-10 region's past.