88R19284 BPG-D
By: Harris of Anderson H.C.R. No. 105
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Beloved for its profusion of blossoms, the dogwood
tree provides one of the most spectacular highlights of springtime
in the Lone Star State, and the city of Palestine has long been
renowned for its abundance of these beautiful trees and for its
famous Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration; and
WHEREAS, Dogwoods, which are native to the Palestine area,
can grow to a height of 30 feet and feature a broad canopy of
branches that burst into bloom in March and April in East Texas; the
result is a dazzling floral display of majestic white and rosy pink
petals; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration traces its
origins to 1938, when local residents Charles W. Woodbridge and
Eugene Fish discussed their shared appreciation of the trees and
hatched the idea of creating an event to showcase the many dogwoods
in and around Palestine; their plan became a reality in 1939, when
more than 20,000 people took part in the inaugural Dogwood Trails
gathering; and
WHEREAS, In the early years, visitors had to drive rough and
often muddy roads and trudge through densely wooded areas to get a
glimpse of the loveliest blooms; to make the trees more accessible,
organizers sought permission to use a plot of land north of the city
owned by E. W. and H. R. Link; it contained several groves of
dogwood trees, and with the help of volunteers, a formal trail
system was completed there in 1941; it became a permanent
attraction after M. A. Davey purchased the central portion of the
tract and gifted it to Anderson County; the 254-acre Davey Dogwood
Park was named in his honor and today features miles of roads and
hike-and-bike trails; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the dogwood trails have remained a
source of great pride to the people of Palestine, who have
contributed time and labor to maintain the trees and trails for the
enjoyment of locals and visitors alike; their efforts have helped
make their city an extremely popular springtime destination, with
thousands of people flocking to Davey Dogwood Park and other area
locations for the trails and celebration; and
WHEREAS, There is an intrinsic and undeniable joy in
witnessing the delicate splendor of a dogwood tree in bloom, and
through the efforts of several generations of citizens, the trails
have become an essential part of the identity and character of
Palestine; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Palestine as the official Dogwood Trails Capital
of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.