81R12812 JGH-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 821
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A new historical marker celebrating the history of
the city of Van has been approved by the Texas Historical
Commission; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Van Economic Development
Corporation and researched by members of the Van Zandt County
Historical Commission, the new marker tells of the birth and
development of Van; and
WHEREAS, First settled 150 years ago, the community was
originally known as Swindall, after an early resident; the name was
changed to Van when the community received its first post office;
and
WHEREAS, After the discovery of oil in Van in 1929, the quiet
rural community became a boomtown; 30 new buildings, including
hotels, dance halls, restaurants, and shops, were constructed in 10
days' time; and
WHEREAS, The Pure Oil Company, which managed the local oil
field, played an important role in the town's progress, providing
better roads, funding toward a new school, and fire protection and
helping to create a more stable community, and about 900 people
found a good home in Van during the 1930s; and
WHEREAS, Van's new historical marker will help the city's
residents honor this rich history, paying tribute to those strong,
hardworking people who faced the economic challenges of the Great
Depression and the opportunities of the oil boom and who made their
unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the approval of the new historical
marker for the city of Van by the Texas Historical Commission and
congratulate the Van Zandt County Historical Commission and the Van
Economic Development Corporation on their successful efforts to win
approval for the marker.