By:  Sibley                                           S.C.R. No. 53
         99S0858/1                           
                            SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, Thursday, March 25, 1999, has been selected by the
 1-2     citizens of Comanche County as a special day to gather at the State
 1-3     Capitol to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Comanche
 1-4     County to the heritage of the State of Texas; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Named for Comanche Indians who once ruled the
 1-6     Southwest Plains, both the county and town of Comanche were
 1-7     established in 1856 near the settlement of Cora; the historic
 1-8     courthouse "Old Cora" was restored and moved to Comanche, and it
 1-9     has earned the distinction of being one of the oldest original
1-10     existing courthouses in Texas; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Today, "Old Cora" sits on the town square under the
1-12     spreading branches of the legendary Fleming Oak, a beautiful oak
1-13     tree that was saved from destruction by a gun-wielding settler
1-14     named Martin Fleming, who hid behind the tree to escape an Indian
1-15     attack; believing the tree saved his life, he pledged to defend the
1-16     tree from encroaching development; and
1-17           WHEREAS, The determined settler got his wish, and today both
1-18     "Old Cora" and the Fleming Oak stand on the county's Courthouse
1-19     Square alongside a historic well that was discovered and restored
1-20     near the Fleming Oak; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Nestled in the hills of Central Texas, Comanche
1-22     County boasts fertile soil and warm sunny weather that make the
1-23     county a top producer of peanuts, pecans, watermelons, and
 2-1     cantaloupes; in addition, the county is a top milk producer; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Comanche County's natural resources also include an
 2-3     abundant wildlife population and nearby Lake Proctor, which is used
 2-4     for a variety of water sports and is a top draw for fishermen; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, Comanche County residents celebrate their colorful
 2-6     heritage and spirit throughout the year with festive events such as
 2-7     an annual July rodeo, the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival, and the
 2-8     famed Comanche County Pow-Wow; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, Comanche County is proud to be the home of the
2-10     Comanche High School Maidens, winners of the 1998 State 3A
2-11     Championship in basketball; and
2-12           WHEREAS, Comanche County is justifiably proud of its history,
2-13     culture, progressive development, and contributions to the heritage
2-14     of the State of Texas; and
2-15           WHEREAS, This special day is an appropriate occasion for the
2-16     Texas Legislature to recognize the citizens of Comanche County and
2-17     to commend them for their notable endeavors and achievements; now,
2-18     therefore, be it
2-19           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-20     hereby declare March 25, 1999, as Comanche County Day at the
2-21     Capitol and join Comanche County residents as they celebrate their
2-22     county's greatness; and, be it further
2-23           RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
2-24     citizens of Comanche County as an expression of the recognition and
2-25     appreciation of the Texas Legislature.