81R8555 JGH-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 512
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Many proud Northeast Texas residents are visiting
Austin to celebrate Rains County Day at the State Capitol on
February 24, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Rains County was created in the late 1800s from
Hopkins, Hunt, and Wood Counties; the county and its seat, Emory,
were named in honor of Emory Rains, an early pioneer who served in
the Congress of the Republic of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Situated between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork
Reservoir, this lovely area is blessed with an abundant water
supply and fertile soil characteristic of the Blackland Prairie
region; the county initially prospered as a thriving agricultural
and ranching center and today enjoys a diverse economy that
includes oil production, manufacturing, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, Emory, which was originally known as Springville, is
now the largest town in Rains County with just over 1,000 people; it
is home to the Rains County Fair Grounds and the annual Eagle Fest
celebration held in February, when the county's lakes are the
winter home of many American bald eagles and other rare birds; and
WHEREAS, The city of Point was incorporated in the 1960s and
is recognized as the birthplace of the National Farmers Union, an
organization that has grown to include more than 300,000 members;
the 10 founding fathers of the NFU are memorialized by a historic
monument in the city which incorporates a statue of the union's
founder, Isaac Newton Gresham, and a display of the state flags of
the NFU's member states; and
WHEREAS, The county's youngest municipality, East Tawakoni,
was incorporated in the 1960s and has experienced significant
growth in recent years; this resort area offers residents the
benefits of a relaxed rural community while providing easy access
to Dallas; and
WHEREAS, Proof positive that good things do come in small
packages, Rains County has indeed played a vital role in the
development of the Lone Star State, and it is a pleasure to join
with our fellow Texans in saluting the county and its fine citizens;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 24, 2009, as Rains County Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation from
Rains County sincere best wishes for an informative and memorable
stay in Austin.