By Lewis of Orange                                H.R. No. 32

      75R3566 WMS-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On January 27, 1997,  many proud residents of Orange

 1-2     County will  travel to Austin to celebrate Orange County Day at the

 1-3     Capitol; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Bordered on the east by the Sabine River and on the

 1-5     south and west by the Neches River, the county was created on

 1-6     January 5, 1852, from a portion of Jefferson County, and was named

 1-7     by George A. Patillo for the flourishing groves of orange trees

 1-8     found in the area; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, The county seat is the city of Orange, which is home

1-10     to many structures of cultural and historic significance, including

1-11     the Lutcher Theatre for the  Performing Arts, the Heritage House

1-12     Museum, the Stark Museum of Art, and the W. H. Stark House; and

1-13           WHEREAS, The fertile coastal soil of Orange County, combined

1-14     with a temperate climate and a long growing season, has made the

1-15     area a major center for the production of such vital agricultural

1-16     products as rice, timber, honey, and vegetables and the raising of

1-17     horses, hogs, and  cattle; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Also a hub of industrial activity, Orange County

1-19     boasts a thriving petrochemical business, as well as timber

1-20     processing and shipping-related industries; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Orange County's resplendent natural beauty makes it

1-22     ideal for engaging in  recreational activities such as freshwater

1-23     and saltwater fishing, hunting, and bird-watching; a spectacular

1-24     variety of wildlife also resides in the area, and the monarch

 2-1     butterfly, which has been designated the official state insect,

 2-2     visits Orange County each year during its migration to Mexico; and

 2-3           WHEREAS, The residents of Orange County are justifiably proud

 2-4     of their fine community and of the many unique qualities that make

 2-5     it an outstanding place in which to live, work, and raise a family;

 2-6     in light of the citizenry's many contributions to the State of

 2-7     Texas, it is indeed appropriate that Orange County be given special

 2-8     legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it

 2-9           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-10     Legislature hereby recognize January 27, 1997, as Orange County Day

2-11     at the Capitol and join with the citizens of Orange County in

2-12     paying tribute to one of Texas' finest counties; and, be it further

2-13           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-14     prepared for Orange County as a commemoration of this grand

2-15     occasion and as an expression of highest regard by the Texas House

2-16     of Representatives.