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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Germania Farmer Verein in Anhalt is hosting its |
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134th annual Maifest on May 17, 2009, and this occasion represents |
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an ideal opportunity to recognize the history of one of the Lone |
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Star State's most enduring organizations; and |
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WHEREAS, Founded by German ranchers, the Verein, or club, |
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first met at a store on October 4, 1875, to discuss ways to protect |
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cattle from the rustlers who were rampant in the area; the 50 |
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charter members elected Carl Koch as their first president and went |
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on to adopt a "G" brand for all their livestock; the following |
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April, they commissioned a master blacksmith to make the brand, and |
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they posted a $1,000 reward for the apprehension of any cattle |
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thief; and |
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WHEREAS, The branding program was so successful that the |
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Farmer Verein was soon able to take on other functions as a social |
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and benevolent association; in 1878, it became a mutual assessment |
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life insurance company, and members built Anhalt Hall the next |
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year; they conducted research to improve livestock, agriculture, |
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and horticulture and began holding fairs in the spring and fall to |
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exhibit animals and field and garden products; and |
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WHEREAS, During the first three decades, the Farmer Verein |
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expanded the hall several times, notably adding a beautiful |
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6,000-square-foot oak dance floor in 1908; renovated in 1993, |
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Anhalt Hall remains a wonderfully preserved example of the classic |
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Texas dance hall; the landmark has hosted performances by such |
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nationally known musicians as Jerry Jeff Walker and George Strait, |
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and welcomes thousands of visitors each year for Oktoberfest and |
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Maifest, when the club offers German food, beer, polkas, and |
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country-western music; the 134th Maifest features the Seven |
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Dutchmen Polka Band and country star Gary P. Nunn; and |
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WHEREAS, Presently led by Wilton Steubing, the Germania |
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Farmer Verein has had fewer than 10 presidents in its long history, |
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evidencing its stability and continuity; the current membership of |
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approximately 350 focuses on schools as well as promoting |
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agriculture and fellowship in Comal County, and all those |
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associated with this fine organization can indeed take pride in the |
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role it continues to play in its community; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the Germania Farmer Verein and extend |
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best wishes to its members for a memorable 2009 Maifest; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the club as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |