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78R10919 MDM-D
By: Jones of Bexar H.R. No. 782
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texans owe a debt of gratitude to the National
Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas for
the group's successful efforts to have the bluebonnet named the
official State Flower of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Founded in February 1898, under the leadership of
its first president, Mrs. Samuel M. Welch, the Texas society
promoted the bluebonnet as the state flower to the legislature in
1901; many members were unfamiliar with the bluebonnet and some put
forth other suggestions for this special honor, including John
Nance Garner, who made a motion for the cactus bloom, and Phil H.
Clements, who aggressively supported the open cotton boll, which he
termed "the white rose of commerce"; and
WHEREAS, Enlisting the help of Representative John M. Green
of Cuero, who eloquently appealed for the bluebonnet, the Texas
society spotlighted the wildflower's natural beauty by placing
bouquets on members' desks; ultimately, they won by acclamation
after displaying a painting of an arrangement of primroses and
bluebonnets by Miss Mode Walker; this lovely still life today hangs
in the Neill-Cochran House in Austin, which serves as the Texas
society's headquarters; and
WHEREAS, For more than a century, the National Society of the
Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas has enriched the
quality of life in the Lone Star State through its dedication to
preserving history and promoting patriotism, and it is a pleasure
to salute this fine organization at this time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the National Society of the Colonial Dames
of America in the State of Texas for its contribution to making the
bluebonnet the official State Flower of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Texas society as an expression of continuing
thanks by the Texas House of Representatives.