HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle has been a distinctive part of the
1-2 Texas landscape for more than 100 years, and this striking shrub
1-3 never fails to add a touch of class and beauty to its surroundings;
1-4 and
1-5 WHEREAS, Many Texans appreciate the splendor of the crape
1-6 myrtle and have taken a special interest in its proliferation in
1-7 their communities, making it difficult to traverse our great state
1-8 without witnessing the plant's annual summer flush of color; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Originally imported from China, the crape myrtle,
1-10 Lagerstroemia indica, has thrived in the Lone Star State's often
1-11 brutal climate, and the establishment of these hardy hybrids has
1-12 done much to encourage tourism for many Texas cities while also
1-13 bolstering civic pride among their residents; and
1-14 WHEREAS, In 1857, the wife of Confederate General Sam Bell
1-15 Maxey introduced the crape myrtle to Paris, Texas, and in 1916,
1-16 after a fire devastated this Northeast Texas town, one of the
1-17 community's first beautification projects incorporated these
1-18 colorful shrubs; several years later, newspaper publisher A. G.
1-19 "Pat" Mayse further established the city's link to the plant when
1-20 he sold thousands of crape myrtle seedlings for 25 cents each as
1-21 Paris's residents prepared to celebrate Texas' centennial; and
1-22 WHEREAS, More recently, citizens planted crape myrtles along
1-23 the 18-mile stretch of highway between Paris and the Texas-Oklahoma
1-24 border; this prominent display provides a distinctive welcome to
2-1 travelers entering the Lone Star State from the north and offers a
2-2 memorable Texas farewell to those individuals who must leave the
2-3 friendly confines of our state; and
2-4 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle enjoys an equally prominent
2-5 position in the annals of Waxahachie, where the Crape Myrtle
2-6 Council has endeavored to further beautify this lovely city with
2-7 the addition of 2,000 crape myrtles; community volunteers have
2-8 rallied together to assist in the planting and maintenance of the
2-9 shrubs in a region that already boasts a profusion of these unique
2-10 plants; and
2-11 WHEREAS, Throughout the town, dazzling blooms subtly accent
2-12 the rustic charm of Waxahachie's elaborate Victorian-style homes,
2-13 framing these stunning structures in a springtime explosion of red,
2-14 white, pink, and lavender and enticing visitors from across the
2-15 country to visit this historic city; and
2-16 WHEREAS, The rich soil of Brazos County is epecially suited
2-17 for growing these exquisite plants, and their foliage provides a
2-18 dramatic complement to the county's magnificent oaks for many
2-19 months each year; reflecting their concern for the natural beauty
2-20 and ecology of their community, members of Brazos Beautiful, Inc.,
2-21 have planted crape myrtles in parks and public areas to promote a
2-22 cleaner, healthier, and more attractive environment; and
2-23 WHEREAS, The organization's tireless efforts have greatly
2-24 enhanced College Station's Richard Carter Park, where visitors can
2-25 stroll along paths dotted with more than 20 varieties of crape
2-26 myrtle, delighting in their showy blossoms; gracing urban areas and
2-27 parklands throughout Brazos County, the crape myrtle has come to
3-1 symbolize the community's sense of self-esteem and civic
3-2 cooperation; and
3-3 WHEREAS, The history of the crape myrtle is indelibly linked
3-4 to Lamar County and the city of Paris, and its unique relationship
3-5 with both Waxahachie and Brazos County is also well known among
3-6 Texans; the citizens of these communities and the many
3-7 organizations within them are to be commended as they continue in
3-8 their efforts to promote the propagation of this enchanting plant
3-9 in Texas; now, therefore, be it
3-10 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-11 hereby formally recognize the valuable addition of the crape myrtle
3-12 to our native flora and declare the crape myrtle the Official State
3-13 Shrub of Texas; and, be it further
3-14 RESOLVED, That Lamar County be declared the Crape Myrtle
3-15 County Capital and that Paris, its county seat, be designated the
3-16 Official Crape Myrtle City for their longtime association with the
3-17 celebrated shrub; and, be it further
3-18 RESOLVED, That Waxahachie be declared the Crape Myrtle
3-19 Capital of Texas and that Brazos County be recognized as an
3-20 Official Crape Myrtle County for their communities' lasting
3-21 contributions to the beautification of Texas.
Pitts
_______________________________ _______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the House on May
7, 1997, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the Senate on May
26, 1997, by a viva-voce vote.
_______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor