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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Residents of Wylie are gathering in Austin on |
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February 27, 2019, to celebrate Wylie Day at the State Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, Originally known as Nickelville, the community |
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received a new name in preparation for the advent of the Gulf, |
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Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway in Collin County; according to |
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legend, the agent and engineer in charge of the rail project, |
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Colonel W. D. Wylie, promised to buy new baseball uniforms for the |
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local team if they would rename the town in his honor; the name |
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became official in 1886 with the submission of an application for a |
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post office; and |
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WHEREAS, Colonel Wylie purchased 100 acres along the tracks, |
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laid north of the earlier settlement, and divided the land into city |
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lots, which he sold at considerable profit; Wylie was incorporated |
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in November 1887, and the following year, another rail line, the |
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St. Louis Southwestern, brought further opportunity; and |
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WHEREAS, Benefiting from the transportation hub, as well as |
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the rich Blackland Prairies soil, Wylie farmers prospered, making |
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weekly shipments of hogs, produce, cotton, and onions; the town had |
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more than 35 businesses before 1920, and it grew even during the |
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Great Depression, as dairy farming increased to meet the needs of |
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nearby Dallas; Wylie continued to flourish following World War II, |
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with the construction of Lake Lavon and related offices for the |
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North Texas Municipal Water District; the booming economy of the |
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Metroplex later caused Wylie to expand into Rockwall and Dallas |
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Counties; and |
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WHEREAS, Wylie's colorful history illustrates the importance |
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of railroads in the development of Texas agriculture, and residents |
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may take pride in their rich heritage as they continue to build a |
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dynamic future; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 27, 2019, as Wylie Day at the |
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State Capitol and extend to the members of the visiting delegation |
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best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay in Austin. |