89R15173 TBO-D
By: Shofner H.C.R. No. 83
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For decades, the residents of Rusk County have
embraced the production of ribbon cane syrup as an indelible part of
the community's culture and heritage; and
WHEREAS, Boasting a long growing season, fertile land, and
ample rain, Rusk County provided early settlers with an ideal
location for farming; one of the area's most popular cash crops was
sugarcane, the primary ingredient in ribbon cane syrup, which is
named for the distinct bands of color that run along the stalks of
some varieties of the plant; just one acre of sugarcane farmland
could produce enough of the crop to make 500 to 600 gallons of
syrup; and
WHEREAS, The process of making ribbon cane syrup required the
participation of numerous residents of the community; one person
would hook mules to a sweep that operated the sugarcane crusher, and
older children would feed sugarcane into rollers; a member of the
team would maintain the fire to heat the extracted cane juice while
another would skim the top of the syrup and move it through baffles
with paddles to prevent burning; each task was overseen by a
designated syrup master; and
WHEREAS, The traditional syrup-making process is
demonstrated at Rusk County's annual Heritage Syrup Festival, which
was first held in 1988; taking place on the grounds of the Depot
Museum in Henderson, the popular event attracts some 31,000
visitors to the county each year; attendees have the opportunity to
observe the full production method, with the beloved mules who
power the crusher playing a featured role; the museum also offers a
training course to help ensure that the folk art of syrup making is
passed along to future generations; and
WHEREAS, Rusk County's strong historical association with
ribbon cane syrup has long been a source of great pride for area
residents, and it is indeed deserving of special recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Rusk County as the official Syrup 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.