79R3365 JNC-D

By:  Hamilton                                                     H.R. No. 57 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The cultural, historical, and economic 
contributions of Orange County are of singular importance to Texas, 
and on January 31, 2005, a delegation of proud citizens from this 
vital region are visiting the State Capitol to celebrate their 
county's rich legacy; and
	WHEREAS, Named for an orange grove found flourishing on the 
banks of the Sabine River by French and Spanish explorers, Orange 
County was created in 1852 from the East Texas county of Jefferson 
and is bordered on the east by the Sabine River and on the south and 
west by the Neches River; and
	WHEREAS, With its temperate climate and long growing season, 
this East Texas gem is a significant producer of nursery plants, 
forestry products, citrus fruits, dairy products, crawfish, and 
cattle; industrial development also has brought prosperity to area 
residents, many of whom work in shipping, shipbuilding, 
manufacturing, and petrochemical processing; and
	WHEREAS, Blessed with heavily wooded acreage, marshes, 
grasslands, and an abundance of water, Orange County is an ideal 
location for such activities as freshwater and saltwater fishing, 
hunting, and bird-watching; and
	WHEREAS, The county seat of Orange boasts a vibrant heritage 
and is home to the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, the 
Heritage House Museum, the Stark Museum of Art, the W. H. Stark 
House, and the USS Orleck DD6 Destroyer; and
	WHEREAS, Residents also enjoy educational and cultural 
enrichment through Lamar State College and such assets as the Ron 
Lewis Library, the Orange Public Library, the Heritage History 
Museum, the Orange Community Playhouse, and the Nature Classroom, 
and look forward to visiting the Shangri La Nature Preserve, to be 
opened in late 2005; in addition, residents and tourists take part 
in a multitude of outdoor county events, including the Mardi 
Gras-Gumbo Festival and the Mauriceville Crawfish Festival; and
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Orange County are justifiably proud 
of their fine community; in light of its many contributions to the 
State of Texas, it is indeed appropriate that Orange County be given 
special legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize January 31, 2005, as Orange County Day 
at the State Capitol and join with the residents of Orange County in 
paying tribute to this fine county.