H.R. No. 1659

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The city of Rotan in Fisher County is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, Originally known as White Flat for the white gypsum sand of the area, the town was formally established in 1907 as a terminus for the Texas Central Railroad; the new town was named after Ed Rotan of Waco, who was an investor in the railroad; and

WHEREAS, The Rotan Gypsum plant was built in 1923 and sold to the National Gypsum Company in 1935, eventually becoming one of the largest gypsum facilities in the country; and

WHEREAS, Rotan today is a center for agribusiness and the manufacture of gypsum wallboard; visitors are drawn by the friendly, small town atmosphere and the ready access to the rolling West Texas prairie; situated between two forks of the Brazos, the city is a fine base for quail, dove, and wild turkey hunting; and

WHEREAS, Rotan has been the home of such talented natives as Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh and five-time world-championship cutting horse rider Buster Welch; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Rotan are justifiably proud of their rich heritage and their contributions to the Lone Star State, and it is fitting to pay tribute to their first 100 years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the city of Rotan on its centennial and extend best wishes to its citizens for a fine birthday celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the city of Rotan as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Heflin

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1659 was adopted by the House on May 11, 2007, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House