78R7913 MDM-D

By:  Homer                                                      H.C.R. No. 78 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Many proud citizens of Mount Vernon and Franklin 
County are visiting the State Capitol today to celebrate the role 
this historic area has played in the annals of the Lone Star State; 
and
	WHEREAS, Americans of European descent began settling in this 
region in the 1830s, and Franklin County was created and organized 
in 1875, with Mount Vernon as the county seat; and
	WHEREAS, Over the course of its history, the county has 
remained essentially rural; for many years local farmers led the 
state in the production of cane syrup, and today Franklin County 
ranks as one of the state's largest suppliers of poultry and dairy 
products; to expand the economic base, the Franklin County 
Industrial Foundation was created in the 1960s, and it continues to 
work to bring industries and jobs to the area; and
	WHEREAS, Mount Vernon, initially settled in the 1840s, has 
been named a Texas Main Street City by the Texas Historical 
Commission; the Franklin County Historical Association operates 
three museums in the town, and the Franklin County Genealogical 
Society oversees a genealogical research center; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout the year, events such as the Good 
Neighbor  Picnic and Fiddle Fest and the Labor Day Rodeo bring 
together residents and tourists alike for family fun in a charming, 
small-town setting; many of these programs and activities are 
sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Alliance; and
	WHEREAS, The birthplace of football star Don Meredith, Mount 
Vernon is surrounded by abundant opportunities for outdoor 
recreation; Lake Cypress Springs is especially renowned among 
fishing enthusiasts for its plentiful bass; and
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Mount Vernon and Franklin County are 
building on their notable heritage as they fashion a bright and 
promising future, and they are indeed deserving of special tribute 
for their outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate March 6, 2003, as Mount Vernon/Franklin County Day 
at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation here today sincere 
best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.