82R6152 JH-D
By: Flynn H.C.R. No. 55
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Town markets were essential to the development of
Texas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, serving as important
hubs of economic activity for communities all across the state; and
WHEREAS, Today, that tradition lives on at numerous events,
but one market in particular, the World Famous First Monday Trade
Days in Canton, is especially noteworthy, being widely recognized
as one of the oldest and largest events of its kind; and
WHEREAS, Canton's market traces its origins to the 1850s,
when a circuit judge began holding court in the town on the first
Monday of each month; the proceedings drew numerous people to town,
and they used that opportunity to trade produce, farm equipment,
and livestock with one another; as the gathering became well-known
throughout Van Zandt County and beyond, participants converged on
Canton to barter for all manner of goods, with dogs and horses being
part of many of the exchanges; as a result, the market acquired the
nicknames "Dog Monday" and "Hoss Monday"; and
WHEREAS, With the passing years, the market's farm-oriented
products gave way to items such as antiques, collectibles,
furniture, and crafts; originally held in the courthouse square,
the event had grown so large by the mid-1960s that it moved to a
six-acre area two blocks away; the number of market days held each
month also expanded, initially incorporating the preceding weekend
days and now taking place Thursday through Sunday in advance of the
first Monday; and
WHEREAS, The popularity and size of First Monday Trade Days
have continued to grow in recent decades; today, it encompasses
more than 7,000 indoor and outdoor vendor spaces spread over 500
acres; as many as 400,000 people arrive for each monthly event,
transforming a small town of 3,600 permanent residents into a
sizeable city; and
WHEREAS, Those who make their way to the trade days find a
huge range of items for sale and also enjoy a shopping experience
that is in keeping with the historic character of the market; since
First Monday began 150 years ago, individuals have gathered in
Canton to take part in a personalized form of commerce where they
have the opportunity to spend time with vendors, artisans, and
fellow shoppers; the continuation of this time-honored tradition is
a fitting tribute to our state's commercial heritage, and it is
indeed deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Canton as the official Home of the World Famous
First Monday Trade Days.