H.R. No. 402



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Proud Americans celebrated the bicentennial of this 
nation in 1976, and this historic event was commemorated in 
countless gatherings across the Lone Star State, where citizens 
paid tribute to their shared heritage and gave thanks for the 
freedoms we continue to enjoy today as Texans; and
	WHEREAS, Residents of the community of Terrell Hills observed 
this momentous occasion with the delivery of a memorable speech by 
local citizen R. R. Witt, and his words continue to resonate for 
those who still call this small South Texas community home:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Little People and Pets, 
All citizens of Terrell Hills assembled here to 
express our gratitude for the blessings of 200 years of 
prosperity as free and independent people.  I am not 
competent to adequately express the debt we owe, and 
the obligation we have to protect and preserve the 
freedoms we now enjoy.  Being clumsy with words, I 
shall not try.  Besides, all 4th of July speeches 
through the years, have been nothing more than 
oratorical elaboration on what I've already said, and 
when they were well done we liked it, and when they 
weren't we applauded anyway as a patriotic duty.
This being Bicentennial year everyone feels we 
should do more.  There seem to be no guidelines as to  
what to do; just so you do something, and the variety 
is endless--bumper stickers, ribbon cutting on Mexican 
restaurants to Bicentennial sales at the supermarket.  
States and cities, however, seem to have somewhat of a 
pattern.  They recite their rugged beginnings, their 
achievements, and what they now have to offer.  I shall 
follow that format.
It's appropriate that we do so because Terrell 
Hills' beginning was unique--It was not launched by a 
subdivision developer but rather was settled by an 
indentured colony, much like those that settled Texas 
and our nation.  In 1919, Albert Steves, Jr., acting in 
the capacity of Moses Austin, organised a group of six 
families and three bachelors who wanted to 'emigrate' 
from the city and settle in a remote rural area.
They selected a 24 acre tract bounded on the 
south by Terrell Road, on the North by Garrity Road, 
and westward from Eldon Road.  At that time from where 
we now stand there was nothing northward but open 
country with scattered mesquite and huisache trees.  
Dr. Terrell agreed to lay a water main and gas line 
from New Braunfels Avenue up to the property, and a 50 
foot gravel road was arranged.  It being an extension 
of Elizabeth Road.
Each member of this colony signed a contract 
dated January 5, 1920, and duly recorded in the County 
records, that he would, within 5 years, settle and 
build his home within the 24 acre tract.  There were 
some interesting stipulations in the contract, and 
some are reminded of how archaic were those 
times--just a half century ago.  I quote:  'The male 
members of this agreement shall be the governing body, 
each to have one vote.'  Today they would be called male 
chauvinists--or something worse.  Even their male 
control was a tenuous thing.  One of the bachelors 
dropped out saying he'd given the matter much thought 
and decided she didn't want to live there.
Then came the building boom of the twenties and 
within a decade Terrell Hills was so heavily populated 
that the city, by passing an ordinance extended their 
boundaries to include us.  That was about 1930 when 
Chambers was mayor.  I don't know how long we were in 
the city, but we weren't happy, and when a close city 
election came up and the incumbents foresaw a heavy 
vote against them from this area, they rescinded the 
ordinance.  We lost our franchise but regained our 
freedom.
In 1939 when Maverick was seeking election he 
made it known that he would 'take those silk stocking 
areas into the city and tax hell out of 'em.'  With that 
advance notice, and the leadership of Pat Swearingen, 
we held a hasty election on March 25th, voted to 
incorporate as a separate community and received our 
charter as 'Town of Terrell Hills' dated March 31, 
1939.  Maverick took office June 1st but was powerless 
to override our charter.
In 1945 the city again attempted to take in both 
Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights but the courts upheld 
the law and would not allow the city to take in an 
incorporated township.
Then in 1957 when Terrell Hills population 
exceeded 5,000 we were eligible for 'Home Rule.'  Bill 
Matthews took charge and we were chartered as City of 
Terrell Hills with all the powers and privileges other 
cities enjoy.  Bill was elected the first mayor of the 
City.
Following the format, I have told the early 
beginnings of Terrell Hills; its 'struggle for 
independence,' and third in the format is 'what we now 
have to offer.'  I'd say, we have the best managed, the 
best governed--and the best neighbors of any community 
in this area.  What more could we ask!"; and
	WHEREAS, In observing July 4, 2005, the men, women, and 
children of Terrell Hills could once again reflect with justifiable 
pride on the rich history of their community and look with 
anticipation and optimism to the years that lie ahead; now, 
therefore,  be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend R. R. Witt for his 
1976 July 4th address to the citizens of Terrell Hills and extend to 
this patriotic community sincere best wishes for the future.

                                                                          Straus

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 402 was adopted by the House on July 
19, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House