78R15388 JNC-D

By:  Keffer of Eastland                                           H.R. No. 1175



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Bette Armstrong moved with her husband, Jim, to 
Eastland in 1993 in search of a nice, quiet town in which to enjoy 
their retirement together, little dreaming that she would soon 
embrace a local legend so fully that she would become one of the 
community's best-known boosters and most beloved residents; and
	WHEREAS, From her initial involvement as the seamstress 
behind the design of Lil' Rippy, a lovable stuffed horned toad doll,  
for a contest she read about in the newspaper, Mrs. Armstrong has 
continued to draw on her talent and energy to promote the tale of 
the renowned reptile named Old Rip, a horned toad who was buried for 
31 years in the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse and 
emerged from the experience alive; and
	WHEREAS, By creating cookie cutters, refrigerator magnets, 
and other horned toad memorabilia and organizing contests and 
events centered on Old Rip's lengthy rest and reentry into Eastland 
society, Mrs. Armstrong has generated renewed interest in the 
community's most popular tourist attraction; and
	WHEREAS, Thanks in part to the generous promotional efforts 
and infectious enthusiasm of Mrs. Armstrong, Old Rip the Horned 
Toad has secured a permanent place of honor in Texas lore alongside 
such other celebrated Lone Star phenomena as the jackelope and the 
Marfa Lights; and
	WHEREAS, A member of the Eastland Chamber of Commerce and the 
Horned Lizard Conservation Society, Mrs. Armstrong is 
affectionately known around Eastland as the "Toad Lady," and she 
has also demonstrated her commitment to the critter by sewing and 
donning a horned toad costume, which she has worn for numerous 
appearances, including a trip to the State Capitol during the 77th 
Legislative Session when this chamber paid tribute to Old Rip as the 
Most Famous Horned Toad in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, This lovely lady's tireless work has elevated Old 
Rip's fame to heights enjoyed in bygone days when he visited 
President Coolidge and appeared with Texas Governor John Connally; 
Mrs. Armstrong is now as closely associated with the Eastland 
landscape locally as her famous subject, and though she is moving to 
a new home, she may take pride in knowing that her efforts have 
brought a smile to the faces of countless Texans and earned her the 
lasting respect and friendship of a great many people; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Bette Armstrong for her many good works 
in behalf of the story of Old Rip and Eastland County and extend to 
her sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Armstrong as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.