SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 66

	WHEREAS, Orange County's cultural, historical, and 
economic contributions to our state are significant, and on 
January 31, 2005, a delegation of proud citizens from this vital 
region is visiting the State Capitol to celebrate the 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 City of Orange, the county seat, 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 of Orange also enjoy educational and 
cultural enrichment through Lamar State College and such assets 
as the Orange Public Library, the Heritage History Museum, the 
Orange Community Playhouse, and the Nature Classroom; in 
addition, the Shangri La Nature Preserve will be opened in late 
2005; residents and tourists can take part in a multitude of 
outdoor county events, including the Mardi Gras-Gumbo Festival, 
the Mauriceville Crawfish Festival, the Orangefield Crab and 
Crawfish Festival, and the Vidor Bar-B-Q Festival; and

	WHEREAS, The citizens of Orange County are justifiably 
proud of their fine communities; 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize January 31, 2005, as
Orange County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a 
tribute to Orange County citizens.
                                                                        Williams




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on January 31, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate