1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 119
 1-3           WHEREAS, On February 24, 1999, many proud residents of
 1-4     Balch Springs will be in Austin to celebrate Balch Springs Day
 1-5     at the State Capitol; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, The history of this fine community dates back
 1-7     to 1877, when John Balch and his family settled in this North Texas
 1-8     region; Mr. Balch bricked up one of the three freshwater springs on
 1-9     his property to ensure a constant source of fresh water for the
1-10     area, and local settlers soon began to gather at this oasis to
1-11     collect water during the hot, dry summer months; and
1-12           WHEREAS, A veteran of the struggle for Texas' independence
1-13     from Mexico, Mr. Balch fought in the Battle of San Jacinto, and
1-14     Balch Springs has the distinction of being the only city in Dallas
1-15     County that is named for a veteran of that historic conflict; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Since its incorporation on June 13, 1953, Balch
1-17     Springs has continued to prosper, thanks in part to its excellent
1-18     location and the commitment and dedication of its citizens; this
1-19     beautiful city features abundant trees and many public parks where
1-20     residents can relax and exercise with their families; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Rodeo and horseback riding are popular pastimes
1-22     among the city's nearly 19,000 residents, and the citizens of
1-23     Balch Springs are fortunate to have access to several excellent
1-24     venues, including the nationally recognized Mesquite Rodeo and the
 2-1     Balch Springs Saddle Club; and 
 2-2           WHEREAS, Balch Springs is served by both the Dallas and
 2-3     Mesquite Independent School Districts and boasts four outstanding
 2-4     schools; the city's business and government leaders have pledged
 2-5     themselves to continuing the economic development of the community,
 2-6     and with the help of the local chamber of commerce, they have
 2-7     attracted many new businesses and industries to the area; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, The people of Balch Springs are justifiably
 2-9     proud of their city, for this unique community and its exceptional
2-10     citizens have played a significant role in Texas' development,
2-11     and their many contributions to the Lone Star State are truly
2-12     worthy of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
2-13           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-14     76th Legislature, hereby recognize February 24, 1999, as
2-15     Balch Springs Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm
2-16     welcome to the fine residents who have journeyed to Austin
2-17     to celebrate this grand event.
2-18                                                                  Carona
2-19                                                                  Cain  
2-20                                  ______________________________________
2-21                                          President of the Senate
2-22                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-23                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-24                                  on February 2, 1999.
2-25                                  ______________________________________
2-26                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-27                                  ______________________________________
2-28                                           Member, Texas Senate
2-29                                  ______________________________________
2-30                                           Member, Texas Senate