SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 246 WHEREAS, Residents of Wylie are gathering in Austin on February 27, 2019, to celebrate Wylie Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Originally known as Nickelville, the community received a new moniker in preparation for the advent of the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway in Collin County; according to legend, the agent and engineer in charge of the rail project, Colonel W. D. Wylie, promised to buy new baseball uniforms for the local team if they would rename the town in his honor; the name became official in 1886 with the submission of an application for a post office; and WHEREAS, Colonel Wylie purchased 100 acres along the tracks, laid north of the earlier settlement, and divided the land into city lots, which he sold at considerable profit; Wylie was incorporated in November 1887, and the following year, another rail line, the Saint Louis Southwestern, brought further opportunity; and WHEREAS, Benefiting from the transportation hub, as well as the rich blackland prairies soil, Wylie farmers prospered, making weekly shipments of hogs, produce, cotton, and onions; the town had more than 35 businesses before 1920, and it grew even during the Great Depression, as dairy farming increased to meet the needs of nearby Dallas; Wylie continued to flourish following World War II, with the construction of Lake Lavon and related offices for the North Texas Municipal Water District; the booming economy of the Metroplex later caused Wylie to expand into Rockwall and Dallas Counties; and WHEREAS, Wylie's colorful history illustrates the importance of railroads in the development of Texas agriculture, and residents may take pride in their rich heritage as they continue to build a dynamic future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize February 27, 2019, as Wylie Day at the State Capitol and extend to the members of the visiting delegation best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay in Austin. Fallon, Hall, Paxton ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2019. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate