H.R. No. 539
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Athens are gathering in Austin on
February 25, 2009, to celebrate Athens Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Athens was first incorporated in 1856, but steady
development began after it was reincorporated in 1901; agriculture
has long been an important element in the town's economy, and the
prominence of the black-eyed pea crop between the 1930s and 1970s
resulted in the town garnering the unofficial title of "black-eyed
pea capital of the world"; and
WHEREAS, Through the decades, this charming East Texas city
has seen significant growth, and today has a diverse economy that
includes industrial manufacturing and other businesses in addition
to farming and livestock ventures; education is a key element in the
town's productivity, with Trinity Valley Community College and the
area's other schools helping residents to prepare for the future;
and
WHEREAS, Athens has been proclaimed the Original Home of the
Hamburger by the Texas Legislature in tribute to the role that city
resident Fletcher Davis played in the creation of this American
favorite; the town features many exciting annual events, including
the Athens Fiddlers Contest and Reunion, the Chamber of Commerce
PRCA Stampede Rodeo, the Athens Triathlon, the Smith MDA Benefit
Rodeo, and the Chamber of Commerce Business Exposition; and
WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city's
tourist attractions and cultural institutions; these include the
East Texas Arboretum, the Henderson County Historical Museum, the
Henderson County Performing Arts Center, the Cain Center, the
Henderson County Fairpark Complex, and the Texas Freshwater
Fisheries Center, which features 300,000 gallons of aquarium
exhibits and every major species of freshwater fish found in Texas;
and
WHEREAS, With its relaxed way of life and many attractive
features, Athens has much to offer retirees and has been recognized
as a Certified Retirement Community by the Texas Department of
Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, This lovely city continues to be one of the Lone Star
State's great assets and an outstanding place in which to live,
work, and raise a family, and it is indeed appropriate that the
citizens of Athens be given special recognition for their numerous
achievements and contributions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2009, as Athens Day at
the State Capitol and join the citizens of that city in paying
tribute to their hometown.
Brown of Kaufman
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 539 was adopted by the House on
February 25, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House