79R9940 MMS-D

By:  Laubenberg                                                   H.R. No. 1215



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, the city of Rockwall has been 
a favored destination for couples seeking to be united in marriage; 
and
	WHEREAS, Located in North Texas, just east of Dallas, 
Rockwall originally won the favor of those getting married because 
of the helpfulness of local doctors and public officials; until 
1954, marriage licenses were issued in that community 24 hours a 
day, seven days a week; and
	WHEREAS, At one time, licenses sold at night outnumbered 
those sold during the day by a ratio of about two to one; 
accommodating couples after hours were a night watchman at the 
courthouse, who doubled as a deputy county clerk, and the justice of 
the peace, who sometimes married 15 couples over the course of a 
single night; and
	WHEREAS, Today, Rockwall continues to offer those being wed 
the warmest of welcomes; from the helpful staff in the county 
clerk's office to the large choice of wedding venues, the city 
remains a place imbued with a tradition of support for those 
embarking on that extraordinary journey; and
	WHEREAS, Residents of Rockwall cherish the institution of 
marriage and the deep joys of family life, and they take pride in 
the role their community has played in uniting the hearts and lives 
of thousands of Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize the community of Rockwall for its rich 
history as a favorite setting for weddings in the Lone Star State.