H.R. No. 160
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Athens are gathering in Austin on
February 12, 2013, 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 town
has seen significant growth, and today its diverse economic base
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 Old Fiddlers Contest and Reunion, the Chamber of Commerce PRCA
Stampede Rodeo, the Athens Triathlon, and the Smith MDA Benefit
Rodeo; and
WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike enjoy such cultural
institutions as 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, where 300,000 gallons of aquarium
exhibits feature a wide variety of native Texas fish in natural
environments; and
WHEREAS, With its relaxed way of life and many attractive
amenities, 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 its citizens may indeed take pride in
their hometown's ongoing achievements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 12, 2013, as Athens Day at
the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for a memorable stay in Austin.
Gooden
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 160 was adopted by the House on
February 12, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House