H.C.R. No. 156

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Paris and Lamar County are gathering in Austin to celebrate Paris/Lamar County Day at the State Capitol on March 28, 2007; and

WHEREAS, The heart of the Red River Valley, the rolling pastureland of Lamar County was once home to the Caddo Indians; the region passed through French and Spanish hands in the 18th century, and the first Anglo-American settlers arrived in 1815; and

WHEREAS, Officially established by the Fifth Congress of the Republic of Texas, the county was organized by election on February 1, 1841, and named for Mirabeau B. Lamar, the fourth president of the Republic; merchant George Wright donated 50 acres on the site of the town of Pinhook, and the town became the county seat in 1844; it was renamed Paris after Paris, France, by Thomas Poteet, an employee of Wright's; and

WHEREAS, Today Paris is a center for agribusiness, food processing, manufacturing, and teleservices, with such major employers as the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Campbell Soup Company, Sara Lee Bakery Group, TCIM, and Turner International Piping; the Paris Regional Medical Center, with more than 300 beds, two campuses, and a diverse medical staff, offers quality medical care to Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma; one of the oldest junior colleges in Texas, Paris Junior College has been providing educational opportunities to the region since 1924; and

WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike enjoy Paris's many fine attractions; the city's replica of the Eiffel Tower stands 65 feet tall and was "Texanized" in 1998 with the placement of a cowboy hat on top; Culbertson Fountain in the Historic District on the Plaza contributed to the plaza being chosen as the prettiest in the State of Texas by Texas Monthly magazine; the Hayden Museum of American Art houses a permanent collection of graphic art, archival photography, and American chairs, and the Sam Bell Maxey House, the Scott Roden Home, the Wise House, and the Paris Union Station Railroad Depot are fine examples of historic architecture; and

WHEREAS, Annual celebrations in the county include Chaparral Square Dancing Weekend every Labor Day; the Red River Valley Fair and Exposition features five days of livestock shows, carnival rides, and live entertainment; 300 contestants, all full-time peace officers, participate annually in the All Police Rodeo; and the Tour de Paris bike rally stages events for all ages and levels of ambition; and

WHEREAS, In 1997 the Texas Legislature declared Lamar County the Crape Myrtle County Capital and Paris the Official Crape Myrtle City of the State of Texas, and with three lakes within 15 miles of Paris, Lamar County is a beautiful destination for visitors; and

WHEREAS, Living among the scenic lakes and rolling countryside of the beautiful Red River Valley, the residents of Paris and Lamar County may celebrate their rich heritage even as they work together for a bright and productive future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize March 28, 2007, as Paris/Lamar County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.

Homer

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 156 was adopted by the House on March 28, 2007, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 156 was adopted by the Senate on March 28, 2007, by a viva-voce vote.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________

Date

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Governor