H.C.R. No. 89 



HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The city of Hutto has long cherished as its symbol 
one of the earth's most impressive animals, the hippopotamus; and
	WHEREAS, A reported news story holds that in 1915 a passing 
circus train stopped at the Hutto railroad station and a hippo from 
the show escaped into the muddy environs of nearby Cottonwood 
Creek; recovering the hippo from such a spot proved no small feat, 
and the adventure with the exotic animal became enshrined as a 
legend in local lore; and
	WHEREAS, The hippo serves as the community identifier for all 
of Hutto, as well as the official mascot of Hutto High 
School--believed to be the only high school in the country 
represented by this massive creature--and of the Hutto Independent 
School District; the high school's costumed mascot has appeared at 
numerous sporting events, parades, and other special occasions, 
drawing media attention and representing both the school and 
community in a unique, fun, and positive manner; and
	WHEREAS, Hutto Olde Tyme Days, an annual three-day event 
sponsored by the Hutto Chamber of Commerce, is also known as the 
Hippo Festival; now in its 18th year, the festival provides 
abundant family recreation and serves as a unifying force in the 
community, while bringing additional revenue into the Hutto area; 
the city council has decreed that during the course of the 
festivities, each third weekend in October, the town of Hutto shall 
be known as Hippo, Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The name hippopotamus is derived from the Greek 
phrase meaning "river horse"; one of the largest land animals, the 
adult hippo weighs almost five tons and yet is quite agile in the 
water; though herbivorous, it is ferocious when threatened or angry 
and is considered to be the most dangerous animal, other than man, 
in all of Africa; and
	WHEREAS, According to an African folk tale, God created the 
hippopotamus and told it to cut grass for the other animals; when 
the hippo discovered how hot Africa is, it asked God to let it stay 
in the water during the day and cut grass during the cooler night; 
God agreed reluctantly, fearing the hippo would eat the fish in the 
river, but the hippo pledged to feed only on vegetation and remained 
true to its word; and
	WHEREAS, For roughly a century, the imposing hippopotamus has 
been treasured by the people of Hutto as an emblem of their town and 
the surrounding area; inspiring pride and community solidarity, the 
hippo symbol has further played a significant role in promoting 
economic development and tourism in Hutto; and
	WHEREAS, This imposing mammal is so ingrained in the identity 
of this fine community that when the name "Hutto" is mentioned, the 
natural response is "Hippos"; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate Hutto as the "Hippo Capital of Texas" and commend 
the citizens of this fine community for their outstanding civic 
achievements and public spirit.

                                                                          Krusee




______________________________              ______________________________
 
   President of the Senate                               Speaker of the House      

	I certify that H.C.R. No. 89 was adopted by the House on May 
16, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House   

	I certify that H.C.R. No. 89 was adopted by the Senate on May 
27, 2003, by a viva-voce vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                      Secretary of the Senate   



APPROVED: __________________                                                
 
                Date                                                         




 
         __________________                                              
 
              Governor