81R18720 MG-D
By: Brown of Kaufman H.R. No. 1230
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, St. Paul Industrial Training School in Caney City is
receiving an official Texas Historical Marker on May 2, 2009, at a
ceremony hosted by the Henderson County Historical Commission; and
WHEREAS, In 1926, St. Paul Industrial Training School was
established by James William Smothers and his wife, Alice Olenza
Smothers; these dedicated pioneers sought to provide both social
and educational services to less privileged youth in Henderson
County, and thus, the school also became a shelter for orphans and
homeless children; in addition to the standard curriculum, students
at St. Paul Industrial Training School were exposed to such
practical skills as home economics, typing, and farming, and they
learned the importance of contributing to society; and
WHEREAS, With the commitment of Mr. and Mrs. Smothers, as
well as the support of members of the community and local
philanthropists, the school grew and even recovered after a
devastating tornado in the early 1940s; in 1947, St. Paul
Industrial Training School was chartered as a nonprofit
organization, and although it no longer functioned as a school by
the late 1980s, it was restructured into a scholarship program that
still exists today; St. Paul Industrial Training School,
Incorporated, has continued the mission of Mr. and Mrs. Smothers to
educate and empower youth, offering vital assistance to motivated
students and helping them realize their full potential at Texas
colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Recognition by the Texas Historical Commission
highlights the significant role that St. Paul Industrial Training
School played in educating and nurturing countless children, and
the official designation provides assurance that the history of
this notable institution will be remembered and honored for years
to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of a Texas Historical
Marker at St. Paul Industrial Training School in Caney City and
extend to all those involved with this project sincere appreciation
for their commitment to preserving the heritage of the Lone Star
State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the board of directors of St. Paul Industrial Training
School, Inc., as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of
Representatives.