H.R. No. 1788
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Kern Place in El Paso are celebrating
the 100th anniversary of their historic neighborhood during 2014;
and
WHEREAS, Created by local businessman Peter Kern in 1914, the
Kern Place development was originally located on the edge of the
desert, well outside the main hub of El Paso; many of the homes in
the area were built by the owners themselves and represent a rich
diversity of early 20th century architecture; the community is
known for its winding roads and quiet atmosphere and for the large
park at its center, named Madeline Park after Mr. Kern's daughter;
and
WHEREAS, In its early days, the entrance to the area was
marked by a distinctive arch designed by Mr. Kern that depicted
ancient symbols of luck and included nearly 450 electric light
globes that illuminated the words "Kern Place"; this architectural
flourish soon became both an attraction and a nuisance; people
drove across town to see it for themselves, but vandals also were
fond of the arch; after falling into disrepair, it was finally
dismantled in the 1950s; and
WHEREAS, The city's growth caught up with Kern Place over
time, and the area is now just a mile north of downtown; through the
years, many prominent citizens and leaders have called the
neighborhood home, and the elegant Hoover House has served as the
residence of The University of Texas at El Paso president since
1965; and
WHEREAS, The Kern Place Association was organized in 1981 to
maintain and improve the neighborhood, and members have worked with
the city on various zoning and management issues; thanks to the
dedicated efforts of many volunteers and supporters, the group has
revitalized Madeline Park, hosting annual picnics and Music in the
Park events at its newly built gazebo, and the association has also
worked to develop Alethea Park; and
WHEREAS, Although El Paso has changed immeasurably during the
past century, Kern Place retains its character as a unique and
lovely area of the city, and it is indeed fitting to join in
honoring the neighborhood on this milestone occasion; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kern Place
and commend the members of the Kern Place Association for their work
in behalf of this special community; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Marquez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1788 was adopted by the House on May
8, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House