By Hardcastle H.R. No. 267 77R6345 MJS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 21, 2001, many proud citizens from 1-2 Graham will gather in Austin to celebrate Graham Day at the State 1-3 Capitol; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Situated in North Central Texas, Graham was founded 1-5 in 1872 and named for prominent landowners and businessmen Gustavus 1-6 A. and Edwin S. Graham; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Serving as the county seat of Young County, the city 1-8 has undergone many changes through the years; its early history was 1-9 closely associated with the Texas cattle industry: the 1-10 Goodnight-Loving cattle trail originated in Young County, and the 1-11 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, originally the 1-12 Stock-Raisers' Association of North-West Texas, was founded in 1-13 Graham on February 15, 1877; today the city enjoys a robust economy 1-14 that revolves around agribusiness, oil and gas extraction, 1-15 manufacturing, and tourism; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Named a Texas Main Street City in 1994, Graham has 1-17 undertaken a coordinated restoration and revitalization program for 1-18 its downtown area, which features one of the largest town squares 1-19 in the country; among the many attractions in the business district 1-20 is a preserved historic movie theater; for those seeking a 1-21 different kind of viewing experience, Graham boasts one of the few 1-22 remaining operational drive-in movie theaters in the Lone Star 1-23 State; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Graham is the scene of numerous special events 2-1 throughout the year, including the Daffodil Days Festival in March 2-2 and the Young County Fair in September; traces of the area's past 2-3 can be found in Shawnee Springs Park, a former campground for 2-4 Shawnee Indians and later for pioneers, in the restored buildings 2-5 of nearby Fort Belknap, and in the ruined headquarters of the 2-6 Brazos Indian Reservation; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Close to several lakes, Graham is a prime spot for 2-8 many outdoor and water-related activities, such as camping, 2-9 hunting, fishing, water skiing, and scuba diving; the city is also 2-10 home to several well-known golf courses; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Residents and visitors can keep up with all the news 2-12 and events through the Graham Leader, a weekly newspaper whose 2-13 first issue appeared on August 16, 1876, giving it the distinction 2-14 of being one of the oldest publications in North Central Texas; and 2-15 WHEREAS, While embracing the myriad challenges and 2-16 opportunities of the 21st century, Graham has retained its rich 2-17 heritage and culture; with its innate charm, unspoiled beauty, and 2-18 colorful history, the city recalls an era of simpler times and 2-19 wholesome values; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Today, Graham has a population of approximately 2-21 9,000 residents and is one of our state's great assets; the 2-22 community is truly a wonderful place in which to live, work, and 2-23 raise a family, and it is most appropriate to pay tribute to such 2-24 an outstanding town at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-26 Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2001, as Graham Day at 2-27 the State Capitol and extend to the delegation here today and to 3-1 all the residents of this fine city sincere best wishes for 3-2 continued success and happiness; and, be it further 3-3 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-4 prepared for the Graham delegation as an expression of high regard 3-5 by the Texas House of Representatives.