Fall 2011 Letter from the Executive Director

FALL 2011 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

I considered using this column to report on the impact of the Legislative session on this agency. But historic preservation really isn’t about the past. It’s about the future, integrating the wonderful places that defi ne us as a people, as Texan Americans, into our daily lives. It’s about passing lessons on to future generations. It’s about revitalizing Main Streets and stabilizing property values. It’s about rural and urban job creation and welcoming visitors to experience authentic places that express the Texas mystique. And yes, it’s also about regulating the activities of government to ensure they don’t cause unintended, irreversible harm to meaningful places.

Here at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), we provide training to thousands of people every year in history, architecture, archeology, museum operations, fundraising, and nonprofi t management. We restore and interpret 20 state historic sites, using these real places to tell the real stories of Texas history. We protect irreplaceable archeological collections, assist volunteers, provide opportunities to student interns, facilitate massive courthouse restoration projects, and manage federal programs that help developers reuse historic buildings. We interface with dozens of statewide and national organizations and take leadership roles in those groups when we can.

Th is little agency of about 180 people has a vast impact throughout Texas, and that impact resounds nationally and, in some cases, internationally. We make proud Texans even more proud to be Texans. And that’s no small accomplishment.

So instead of looking back, we look forward. With your support we can help make the future a wonderful place. And that’s what historic preservation is all about.

Sincerely,

MarMarkk WoWolfelfe Executive Director, TTexas Historical Commission

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 2 THC NEWS THC Welcomes New Commissioners Appointees to Grapple with Funding Reductions As this eventful year draws to a Judy Richardson of Daisy Sloan White of close, Texas Historical Commission Caldwell is president Houston is vice president (THC) ofﬁ cials are highlighting of the Burleson County of the Texas A&M several noteworthy news items Historical Society and University Advancement to share with Texas’ supportive currently serves as an Board and also serves preservation community. insurance agent and co-owner of as a special event consultant. She Of particular signiﬁ cance is Insurance Associates. She received a received a bachelor’s degree from Gov. Rick Perry’s appointment of bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston the University of Texas and a the following THC commissioners State University. master’s degree from Southern to six-year terms. Methodist University.

Earl Broussard Jr. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (reappointed) is Most THC programs weathered the the Texas Heritage Trails Program, president of TBG tumultuous budgetary storm as the also initially proposed for elimination, Partners, an Austin- 82nd Legislature struggled with was ultimately restored for the 10 trail based landscape fi nancial pressures earlier this year. regions, although regional partnership architecture and planning fi rm, However, the agency’s consumer grants will no longer be available. and serves on the Austin Heritage services will be noticeably impacted Other THC programs that survived Society Advisory Board. He earned in the 2012–13 biennium that began with enough funding to assure limited a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana September 1, 2011. continuation include County Historical State University and a master’s degree Compared to the previous Commissions, historical markers, from Harvard University. biennium, the THC’s budget was cut museums, cemeteries, and the Military roughly in half—from $104.9 million Sites Program. Matthew Kreisle to $52.76 million. Concurrent staff Restored funding for archeological serves as managing reductions resulted in the loss of programs will allow for continuation of partner of the Austin 47 of 221 employees (21 percent) the Texas Archeological Stewardship offi ce of the 113-year-old supporting agency programs. Network, Texas Archeology Month, PageSoutherlandPage Instrumental in maintaining most Historic Lands Plaque program, and architecture and engineering design programs is the Legislature’s use efforts involved with the restoration fi rm. A past president of the Heritage of $4.31 million from the corpus of of the 1680s French ship the Belle. Society of Austin, Kreisle received a the THC’s Texas Preservation Trust Funding was also continued for Bachelor of Architecture degree from Fund to offset the loss of general operation of the THC’s 20 historic the University of Texas at Austin. revenue funds. sites, with additional assistance slated “THC programs will continue for the National Museum of the Pacifi c Tom Perini of Buffalo to operate, albeit with a reduced War’s research and education center. Gap, owner of the scope,” said Mark Wolfe, the agency’s Critical funding was restored esteemed Perini Ranch executive director. for the THC’s public information and Steakhouse, is also a The Texas Historic Courthouse education efforts, including websites, board member of the Preservation Program, absent from outreach initiatives, and continuation Buffalo Gap Historic Village and the budget bills as initially fi led, of The Medallion, albeit in a reduced Fort Chadbourne Advisory Board. eventually received $20 million from scope (shifting to a quarterly He graduated from Peacock Military the Legislature, a reduction from the publication schedule with a decreased Academy in San Antonio and attended average of nearly $50 million in the page count). the University of North Texas. program’s fi rst 10 years. Funding for

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 3 THC OUTREACH

interior plaster techniques, some Courthouse Program using age-old Italian craftsmanship to imitate marble. In a basement room of the Mills County Courthouse, Receives Critical Funding early advertisements for banks, bail Rededications Held in Three Counties bonds, and barbers were uncovered and preserved on the walls. Th e 1910 Harris County Courthouse was designed by Charles In early 2011, the fate of the Texas master plans this autumn, and will Erwin Barglebaugh with the Dallas Historical Commission’s (THC) Texas announce grant recipients in January 2012. architectural fi rm of Lang and Witchell. Historic Courthouse Preservation Earlier this year, three courthouse Barglebaugh had previously worked Program was unclear; however, the rededications—in Trinity, Mills, for renowned architect Frank Lloyd 82nd Texas Legislature ultimately and Harris counties—celebrated the Wright. Refl ecting the Classical Revival continued the program with $20 continued success of the program style, the courthouse’s details include million in bond funding. THC staff while showcasing Texas’ regional and a colored glass dome, Corinthian members have recently welcomed the architectural diversity. columns, and marble interior walls. opportunity to support rededication Th e 1914 Trinity County Th e exterior is comprised of pink Texas ceremonies and review Round Courthouse was designed by C.H. granite and light brown St. Louis brick. VII applications for the nationally Page & Brother Architects and is the Th e Texas Historic Courthouse recognized initiative. county’s sixth courthouse. During Preservation Program recently entered “We are grateful for the continued the restoration, notable architectural its sixth year of partnership with the support from the Texas Legislature, elements were uncovered in the double- Texas Land Title Association. Th is and we remain committed to restoring height courtroom, including the collaboration has off ered a series of all of the state’s historic county exposure of cast plaster ornamentation stewardship workshops that provide courthouses,” said THC Executive and original light fi xtures hidden for training to ensure the restored Director Mark Wolfe. decades by a modern suspended ceiling. structures are maintained, preserved, Since its inception, the program Th e 1913 Mills County and do not fall back into disrepair. has awarded $227 million to counties Courthouse was designed by noted San For more information about the throughout Texas. To date, more than Antonio architect Henry T. Phelps in Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation half of the state’s 235 surviving historic a Classical Revival style. Massive Ionic Program, contact the THC’s county courthouses are participating cast stone columns frame the stately Architecture Division at 512.463.6094 in the program. Members of the brick, stone, and copper or visit www.thc.state.tx.us. THC’s Architecture Division have entryways, and the been working with counties on revised building includes The 1910 Harris County Courthouse shines distinctive brightly in downtown Houston following its recent rededication.

4 THC OUTREACH Bull Hill Documentary Keeps Rolling Researchers Collecting Real Stories About Historic African American Cem- etery

Article adapted from a report

Cameras are common at social gatherings, but the equipment at this year’s Paul family reunion in Marlin was especially elaborate. be that of Texas Documentarians were on hand to fi lm Ranger James and capture professional images and Coryell, who conduct interviews of the venerable was killed by Central Texas family that has strong Native Americans ties to the nearby Bull Hill Cemetery in 1837. dating to the 1850s. The grave’s From top: The Rev. Will Miller Jr. offered a prayer skeletal remains were exhumed The theme of this year’s reunion— at the Paul family reunion in Marlin; members of Uniting Our Roots and Branches—was the Paul family commended new honorary member and transported to the Smithsonian appropriately intertwined with the Jim Bruseth (back row). earlier this year for DNA comparison documentary, which centers on recent and analysis. Although the DNA discoveries and historical connections was insuffi cient to make a positive availability will appear in a future made at Bull Hill. The fi lm will focus on identifi cation, Bruseth strongly issue of The Medallion. collaborative efforts to bring attention believes the remains are Coryell’s. In Overseeing the project is to the forgotten burial ground by the honor of his work at Bull Hill, Bruseth researcher and writer Sharon Styles, Texas Historical Commission (THC), was presented with a Paul Family a Paul family descendant. Styles was the descendant community, and the Reunion shirt and named an honorary conducting genealogical studies in Dallas-based Summerlee Foundation. Paul family member. The family also 2007 on her late grandparents when “This is a fascinating aspect acknowledged the efforts of THC she learned about their connection of Texas history that’s fi lled with Commissioner John Crain, president to Bull Hill Cemetery. Soon after, she intriguing stories and discoveries,” of the Summerlee Foundation. began working to fi nd the names of said former THC Archeology Division Styles is actively completing those buried in Bull Hill with Nedra Lee, Director Jim Bruseth, who plays a the Bull Hill documentary and a THC Preservation Fellow and doctoral signifi cant role in the documentary. encourages those with historic student of anthropology at University “I’m very proud to be involved with a photos or additional information of Texas at Austin. Lee wrote her fi lm based on the remarkable historical to contact her at 916.275.8084 Master’s thesis on Bull Hill’s research, activity that’s taken place here over the or [email protected]. investigation, and preservation efforts past few years.” For those interested in the and has continued to work with Styles The documentary’s working title cemetery’s historical legacy, a video in documenting the cemetery’s history is “Speak My Name And I Shall Live of Coryell’s grave excavation is and signifi cance to Falls County’s Again, The Resurrection of Bull Hill available at www.thc.state.tx.us. African American community. Cemetery,” and fi lming is expected to For access to Bull Hill Cemetery, While attending the gathering wrap up in early 2012. The movie will arrangements should be made in Marlin, Bruseth updated the Paul likely be completed and distributed through the Summerlee Foundation family on the status of the discovery by Summer 2012; details about at 214.363.9000. ★ of the Bull Hill gravesite believed to screening locations and DVD

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 5 By Andy Rhodes Th e Medallion Managing Editor

Visitors strolling beneath the supple Spanish moss on outstretched oaks at the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Varner-Hogg Plantation are immediately swept into a bygone world of Southern heritage. There’s an undeniable charm to the lush, tranquil grounds and distinguished historic buildings, but guests are increasingly curious about the structures and stories that aren’t immediately noticeable—those of the hundreds of enslaved people who lived here in the mid-1800s and represent a signiﬁ cant part of the site’s history.

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 62 THC site staff containing detailed accounts are developing a of slaves who resided and comprehensive worked on the plantation, interpretive plan for then known as Patton’s Place. Varner-Hogg that The detailed information is will enhance visitors’ from a court case in which experiences. Currently, relatives contested the terms visitors can see the ruins ofoaosas Patton’s Last Will and of the slave quarters and TestamentTestamen and declared the sugar mill where hhim mentally most of the slaves lived unstable.u and worked. Included “In the future, the site will present even more in the fi le information on the lives of all the people on the plantation is ttestimony including expanded information about individual enslaved ffromro Patton people who lived on the plantation prior to the Civil War,” ffamilyam members says Sue Miller, site manager. aboutabo slaves Over the years, the site’s RacRachael,h Maria, focus has been the Hogg family— SSolomon,olo and including remarkable 19th-century BBigig JJakea as furnishings and references to the well aas names, tremendous oil reserves discovered medicmedical records, in the 1920s (at one point bringing and ssalesa receipts in nearly $40,000 daily). But over the ddocumentingocum slave- past decade, interpretive efforts have rrelatedelated activity. turned toward the era of Columbus ““It’sIt’s fascinating to Patton, the plantation’s second sseeee all ttheseh records owner. Staff member Kyle Roberts bbecauseecause they put says students often inquire about the nanamesm withith events t and d specifi ifi c actions—it former slave dwellings during school pepersonalizesr the challenging aspects of tours, and visitors are curious about slslavery,”a Miller says. “When you read about the enslaved people who called the a sslave named Ina having a doctor attend plantation home at the time. hhere at the birth of a child, it becomes Varner-Hogg staff members are mmuch more real. It prompts you to think enthusiastic about sharing all aspectss aabout individual people rather than the of the site’s history. During insightful iinstitutionn of slavery as a whole.” house tours, held seven times daily, The court fi les include fi rsthand guides educate visitors about the testimontestimonyy ffromrom nneighbors, former plantation employees, legacies of the three families connected to the property: and family members about Patton’s mental health and Varner, Patton, and Hogg. about his relationship with Rachael, a house slave, who he “It’s been fascinating to develop this master plan that provided for in the will. better integrates the history of African Americans and many Charles Grimm, Patton Place overseer from 1847–49, others who worked and lived at the site 150 years ago with testifi ed that Rachael “was the mistress of the plantation. I the rest of Varner-Hogg Plantation’s remarkable history,” never saw her do anything more than pour out coffee and Miller says. “These amazing stories have been here for more than a century just waiting to be told.” Previous page: Varner-Hogg Plantation’s southern lawn. From top: A view through Varner-Hogg’s kitchen window; site staff offer seven insightful While conducting research for the master plan, the staff tours daily; the table in the plantation’s dining room expands to seat more accessed probate records in the Brazoria County Courthouse than a dozen guests.

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 7 wait on the table…I Clockwise from left: Varner- Hogg’s 1921 site foreman thought they lived more building, known as Hal’s House, like man and wife and was used until 1968; the Levi that she had more Jordan Plantation is undergoing a major restoration project; a control over him than Patton family gravestone on the I ever saw a lady have Varner-Hogg property. over her husband or as much so.” Hal Simon, interpretive planner for the THC’s Historic Sites Division, notes that these types of American descriptions “paint a portrait of a very compelling individual.” woman who With information like this becoming readily available claimed she online, sites like Varner-Hogg, nearby THC property Levi wished the Jordan Plantation, and other heritage attractions representing Levi Jordan mid-1800s Texas are drawing visitors who express curiosity plantation about the lifeways of enslaved people. Simon adds that there had somehow is also greater interest among African Americans, thanks to been wiped improved access to information via online resources and away—either genealogical services. by neglect “What’s happening in contemporary society is that there or a natural are now a couple of generations who haven’t been raised disaster— since with the strongly defi ned color line that existed it represented in the past,” Simon explains. “It makes it a physical somewhat easier to talk about diffi cult issues reminder of that were too sensitive to discuss years ago.” celebrating the Bryan McAuley, site manager at Levi landowners Jordan Plantation and San Felipe de Austin instead of the state historic sites, agrees, adding that he’s people who witnessed a change in visitors’ questions and worked there. comments over the past several years. “I reminded her that the house tells multiple stories, “As the public evaluates issues, it’s been especially the tremendous effort involved in its construction a great opportunity to talk about the unique that has allowed it to still stand,” McAuley recalls. “What we stories of this site (Levi Jordan), especially can do is share the stories and get out in the community to how racism affects a community,” McAuley tell others about what happened here so people have a better says. “Visitors are transported to a different understanding. It feels important to be a part of something time and have to put themselves in the that makes people think beyond the surface and realize mindset of that perspective. Coming to how they can play a role in telling the story from a more terms with slavery is really diffi cult because enlightened perspective.” of its barbaric nature.” Although Levi Jordan is in the throes of a major McAuley adds that from an interpretive restoration project—it’s currently elevated above ground perspective, one of his goals is to inspire while a new foundation is prepared—visitors are still visitors and instill an interest to further encouraged to come by on the fi rst Saturday of each month investigate historical elements of the to engage staff members in discussion about the site’s site or even reexamine their own development progress and the artifacts discovered during perspectives. As an example, he recent archeological excavations. cites a discussion with an African

TEXASTTEXATEXEEXAEXXAXASSHISH HIHHISTORICALISSTORSTSTOTORTTOOORRICALICICAICCALALAL COCCOMCOMMISSIONOOMMMIMISMISSMIISSISSSSSIONIOIONON www.thc.state.tx.us 8 Clockwise from right: the 12,000-square foot Lake Jackson Historical Museum showcases plantation culture and regional heritage; a THC marker documenting West Columbia’s signifi cant history; an exhibit at Clute’s Brazosport Museum of Natural Science. BRAZORIA COUNTY BECKONS the community In addition to the THC’s historic sites, Brazoria County with a offers a bounty of heritage attractions, encompassing an naturalistic impressive breadth of Texas history, from centuries-old approach to coastal communities to residential early colonists to a chemical development. company town. This south- Just down the road from eastern portion Varner-Hogg Plantation in of Brazoria County, known as the Brazosport Area, is also West Columbia is a small rich in maritime heritage, offering visitors an opportunity to walking trail on a busy discover lesser-known stories of Texas’ Gulf Coast and the highway intersection dedicated fascinating array of people and nature that shaped the region. to one of the most signifi cant A good starting place is Sea Center in Lake Jackson, sites in Texas history. Dubbed a Texas Parks and Wildlife property that showcases marine the Capitol of Texas Park, the life and the related cultural connections to the area. Visitors block-long walkway contains marvel at enormous saltwater aquariums, which are THC historical markers and sequenced by gulf depth and overfl owing with information several interpretive panels about the sea creatures, vegetation, and human activity chronicling the site of the associated with each zone. Republic of Texas’ fi rst Similarly, the Brazosport Museum of Natural Science capital. Nearby is the modest in nearby Clute offers natural history exhibits and artifacts, yet noteworthy Columbia including the largest display of seashells in the South. Of Historical Museum, containing a diorama of the town as it particular interest is an exhibit containing artifacts related to likely appeared in the 1820s along with artifacts and artwork Old Velasco, a settlement at the mouth of the Brazos River related to the city’s Republic-era heritage. that thrived in the 1830s but was eventually decimated by Exhibits related to similar subject matters—particularly hurricanes. The community of Surfside Beach now occupies the events and settlers associated with Stephentephen ththee former townstownsite. F. Austin’s Old Three Hundred land grantss and PepperePepperedd throughout Surfside Beach and the pioneering colony—are highlighted adadjacent community of Quintana are in several regional museums. The sseveral THC historical markers offering Brazoria County Historical Museum, iinsight about the area’s signifi cance housed in Angleton’s stately 1897 tto Republic-era commerce. Before county courthouse, focuses primarily iits destruction by the hurricane of on historical research material but also 11900, Quintana was a major seaport features artifacts and displays related to ffor Austin’s colony and a popular the county’s colonial legacy. ddestination for Brazoria County’s Ten miles south, the Lake Jackson plantation families. Historical Museum documents the For additional information intriguing heritage of the region’s about heritage tourism destinations plantation era along with the city’s in Brazoria County, order a free copy relatively recent development as a of the THC’s Texas Independence company town for Dow Chemical Trail Region travel guide by in 1944. The 12,000-square foot, calling 866.276.6219 or visiting two-story museum showcases the www.texastimetravel.com. ★ former sugarcane operations at town namesake Abner Jackson’s plantation, Photos by Randy Mallory and Andy Rhodes as well as the innovative urban planning of Alden Dow, who designed

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION PRESERVATION PROFILE Veteran’s Day Santiago Diaz, 95, Shares Stories of World War II Experience

By Eisenhower Birthplace staff

A World War II veteran’s recent visit to Twelve weeks later, he Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic went to a hospital in Site resulted in a day of powerful Illinois for medical wartime memories and a boost in staging, bound for pride for everyone involved. duty in Europe. When Armed with a walking cane and his orders were a trove of recollections about his changed to the Pacifi c experiences in the U.S. Army, 95-year- theater, Diaz was sentt old Santiago Diaz of Fort Worth visited south to Louisiana the Texas Historical Commission’s to prepare for the (THC) site in Denison this summer tropics, “because with his daughter, son-in-law, and there are no jungles WorldWorld WarWa II veteran grandson to tour the fi rst home of in Illinois,” he said SSantiagoantiago Diaz shared hishis storiesstories of the Pacifi c esteemed World War II Gen. and with a smile. theatertheater duringdu a visit to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Diaz departed for thethe EisenEisenhowerh Birthplace. Born in Jalisco, Mexico amid the Guadalcanal from Sann Francisco on turmoil of the Mexican Revolution, a crowded ship, where many men, When the war ended, Diaz was Diaz’s parents relocated to Texas while including himself, became seasick. stationed on the island for a short he was an infant and settled in Fort Thousands of soldiers slept in bunks time, but returned to Texas on January Worth. Diaz was raised in Fort Worth stacked four high to the ceiling, and 6, 1946. Afterward, he claimed he and eventually married Justina Alvina Diaz received a spot on the bottom bed. never wanted to be on a boat of any at nearly the same time the United “The other guys climbing down kind again. Diaz and his wife raised States entered World War II. When would step on my feet and hands,” four children in Fort Worth, and he he learned he could receive American he recalled, adding that it took enjoyed a lengthy career with the citizenship for serving in the military, 21 miserable days to reach New Texas and Pacifi c Railroad until retiring DiazDiaz saidsaid goodbyego Caledonia, zig-zagging the entire way in 1982. to his wife anda to evade enemy submarines lurking Diaz has visited several sites from theirtheir newbornnewb in the South Pacifi c. Finally arriving at his military days, such as the railroad sonson to enlistenl in Guadalcanal, the ship sat offshore all station in Paris, Texas, where the the Army.Army. day before the troops disembarked. soldiers were not allowed to get off the DiazDiaz “The men climbed down rope train. He was especially impressed by recalledrecalled ladders that night to the landing craft a 2003 trip to Fredericksburg’s Nimitz completingcomplet below (to avoid being observed by the Museum, also a THC historic site. basicbasic trainingtr enemy),” Diaz explained. “We encouraged him to return to inin 1943194 with Most of Diaz’s time overseas Fredericksburg since they now have hishis fellowfel was spent on Guadalcanal, working the National Museum of the Pacifi c recruitsrecru as a medic associated with the 53rd War with wonderful new Guadalcanal at CampCa Seabees before transferring to an exhibits,” said Sylvia Rushing of the BarkleyBark in Army Air Corps unit. While on the Eisenhower Birthplace. “I know the Abilene.Abi island, Diaz proudly took his oath and staff there will appreciate and enjoy his became an American citizen. stories just as much as we did.”★

www.thc.state.tx.us 104 PRESERVATION PARTNER The Spirit of 1836 Honor Texas Ancestors: Support the Texas Heroes Endowment benefitting THC

The year 1836 was a landmark in Texas history. To this day, it represents the spirit and determination of our forefathers in their unwavering ﬁ ght for independence. In 1836, burgeoning Texans responded to the call for freedom from tyranny. Personal sacriﬁ ce was a natural and necessary element of this endeavor. Texian settlers, soldiers, and supporters from faraway states offered assistance by answering the call for help.

It is the duty of all of us, individually and collectively, to do what we can to preserve the tangible evidences of our heritage. Money, time, and dedicated effort are essential to this program. We do this in respect and tribute to the strong men and women who built Texas… –Governor Allan Shivers Remarks to the Texas Historical Survey Committee November 17, 1953

As the only state in the union that was once its own republic, Texas is rich in the real places that tell the real stories of our collective history. The Texas Historical Commission (THC), with the support of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, seeks to preserve our heritage for future generations through its esteemed programs in architecture, archeology, historical markers, historic sites and museums, military history, heritage tourism, and many others. You can help ensure the THC has the resources to fulfi ll its mission by becoming a Friend to the Texas Historical Commission by making a gift to the Texas Heroes Endowment in memory of early Texans. With the signifi cant year 1836 as inspiration, please consider a gift each month, or each year, in amounts of $18.36, $183.60, $1,836, or more in honor of early Texans. Individual gifts will join with others to build a private endowment providing long-term, dependable resources to support areas of greatest need and unique opportunities at the THC. Contributions can be made via the detachable form at right, online at www.thcfriends.org/1836, or by calling 512.936.2189. Together, we will protect the rich and unique cultural legacy of our state and ensure our historic sites and resources are preserved for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefi t of future generations of Texans.

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 11 THC OUTREACH

property and business owners, real estate brokers, and developers; planning for Building an Eff ective business recruitment and retention; and an effective communications and public Main Street relations structure. National Expert Shares Business Develop- Ferrell claims fi nancial incentives are commonly used in communities ment Tips across the country to spur local business at THC Seminar development, but they should be viewed only as a component of a larger plan. “In these competitive and challenging By Debra Farst economic times, communities offering TexasSome Mainhistoric Street downtowns Program seem Coordinator magical. The fi nal seminar, presented by Rick business development incentives may fi nd For small businesses, the magic comes Ferrell, principal of Wilmington, Del.-based themselves more attractive to prospective from the support and encouragement of an Retail Market Answers, LLC, focused on businesses and redevelopers than those entrepreneurial environment. proactive business recruitment, retention, who do not have incentives,” said Ferrell. Although patrons may feel enchanted and expansion for historic downtowns. In a successful Main Street when visiting a historic downtown, According to Ferrell, the three-part process environment, the plan features historic there’s actually nothing magical about the for creating sustainable growth includes preservation as the basis of all activity. experience. Behind These activities require the cooperation every successful of all stakeholders, which is downtown is a why effective partnerships are well-planned so critical to the downtown strategy for making economic development effort. things happen. “Ultimately, when everyone The coordination is working together, the line- of many partners— up of businesses represents including local the highest and government, a best use of each management building and parcel organization, and property and in the commercial business owners—is critical in business district,” becoming a high-functioning says Ferrell, adding downtown commercial district. that a key point to The most effective effort involves a keep in mind is an community-driven approach. This effective downtown community engagement philosophy revitalization program is a primary premise of the Main must be structured Street model. to be sustained In recognition of its 30th over time. anniversary as a state coordinating Downtown vibrancy comes from activities that Local Main Street programs in Texas encourage use of historic places and successful program, the Texas Historical businesses, such as Denton’s Beth Marie’s are a testament to this concept. Nearly Commission’s (THC) Texas Main Street Ice Cream (left) and a summer music series at 60 Texas programs have been offi cially Program held a series of seminars Denton’s county courthouse. designated for 10 years or more. Of those, throughout 2011 on topics related to the 36 have participated continuously. national Main Street Four Point Approach™: assessment, planning, and action. He says For those interested in Ferrell’s organization, design, economic that fi ve things are necessary for effective detailed business development tips, his restructuring, and promotion. The seminar business development: a building and presentation and supplementary materials series was made possible through a grant business inventory; understanding the are available at www.thc.state.tx.us/ provided by Preserve America and the local market; an ongoing willingness to mainstreet/mswork.shtml. ★ National Park Service. establish and cultivate relationships with

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 12 SITESITE SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT Preserving Sam Rayburn’s Legacy Restored Cadillac Among Notable Upgrades at THC Museum FromFrom top: Sam Rayburn’s 1947 CCadillacad and its garage were By Carole Stanton, Sam Rayburn rrecentlyecen restored; Mr. Sam circa 11959;959 Rayburn and guests after House Museum Site Manager the 19571 Sam Rayburn Library Ongoing restoration work at the “Site ddedicationedic ceremony. Sam Rayburn House Museum near records and Bonham will ensure its preservation photographs, for the future and allow visitors to plus analysis of SeveralS Democratic experience the home as it appeared period paint, membersmem of the House when “Mr. Sam” last lived there 50 wood, and off eredere to purchase a new years ago. When the site reopens next brick were car forfo Rayburn, but he spring, visitors will also be able to enjoy analyzed to fi nd theth appropriate pp p i t refused.refuse He feared that Rayburn’s spruced-up 1947 Cadillac materials to maintain the historic such a large gift might make it appear in the site’s recently rehabilitated integrity of the house,” says Donna he was taking bribes; therefore, he historic garage. Williams, director of the THC’s mandated that his fellow congressmen Constructed in 1916 by Rayburn, Historic Sites Division. “One of the could not spend more than $25 on a the home is currently being restored factors in selecting the construction gift for him. In an eff ort to comply to improve its exterior condition and fi rm was its knowledge and experience and yet sidestep Rayburn’s rule, each enhance its historic interpretation. with historic preservation work.” congressman donated $25. Checks Work is centered on repairing Last year, a gift from the Friends of poured in from 142 house Democrats and replacing wood siding, and Sam Rayburn (matched by the THC) (and a few Republicans, although repairing windows and doors with funded a mechanical restoration of their money was returned with original materials. Rayburn’s 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood many thanks), reaching a sum In addition, the front of the by Canton, Texas-based Hatfi eld of $3,550, enough to buy a new home and its back porch offi ce will be Restorations. Th e car was a gift to Cadillac Fleetwood. restored to their historic appearances. Rayburn after he lost his seat as Rayburn knew his circa-1916 Th e front porch will be decked with Speaker of the United States House of garage was not designed to hold a wood planks and brick steps, based on Representatives in 1947. Along with vehicle as large as the new Cadillac, the original appearance. In addition, the job of Speaker of the House so he phoned his handyman from the modern sidewalk from the street came the use of a limousine, which Washington, D.C., and asked him to will be replaced with cement pavers Rayburn relinquished to the new make an extension on the garage to as they appear in historic photos from Speaker, Joe Martin. accommodate his new car. Rayburn did the mid-20th century. A separate new not know the Cadillac’s exact size, sidewalk will curve in a gentle slope so he estimated the dimensions. from the visitors center “When he returned home, to the side of the porch. he found that although his car fi t Preservation through the existing garage doors, architects worked with there were only a few inches to museum employees spare on the sides and nothing and Texas Historical to spare in length,” Williams Commission (THC) staff explains. “When parking the to prepare plans for Cadillac in the garage, there is the restoration project. still no margin for error.” ★

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1317 NEWS IN BRIEF Historical Happenings

APPLICATION DEADLINE FAST THC REVISES APPROACHING FOR THC CEMETERY HISTORICAL MARKERS PRESERVATION The Texas Historical Commission (THC) GUIDE is accepting applications for subject The THC has historical markers, designated Historic produced an Texas Cemeteries, and Recorded updated guide Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHL). to cemetery The deadline to submit applications preservation, is November 15, via email to detailing the [email protected]. agency’s Historic The Texas Legislature has limited Texas Cemetery the THC to processing 275 new (HTC) designation process and historical marker applications in 2012, A new THC guide assists preservationists with historic cemeteries, plus 20 new undertold topics. RTHLs the RIP (record, irreplaceable resources that tell the real stories of Texas. are prioritized for 2012 and will receive investigate, additional points when applications and protect) Guardian network. The colorful manual also addresses cemetery are scored. conservation and repair, maintenance, and cemetery law. Complete information regarding Established in 1998, HTC designation helps communities record graveyards the application process is available in the county records to addresses the problem of cemetery destruction. The at www.thc.state.tx.us or by calling designation has recognized nearly 1,600 historic cemeteries in all 254 Texas 512.463.5853. counties. The RIP Guardian network is a statewide connection of cemetery preservation volunteers dedicated to protecting historic burial grounds. THC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS To learn more, or to download the updated guidelines, visit www.thc.state.tx.us FOR DIVERSITY INTERNSHIP or contact the agency’s History Programs Division at 512.463.5853. The Friends of the THC seeks to increase the diversity of professionals working in historic preservation HARRIS CHC NAMES FIRST FEMALE CHAIR by offering a $5,000 stipend for an For decades, Houston Wagner, a San Antonio native, eight-week internship with the THC. preservationist Janet graduated from Texas A&M University Applicants should be U.S. citizens of Wagner has dedicated with a degree in landscape architecture African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or her efforts to researching and eventually opened her own firm, Native American/Hawaiian/Alaskan multi-faceted aspects of J.K. Wagner and Company, Inc., which heritage and should be Texas residents Texas’ heritage; now she’s made history provides historical and cultural land- attending an accredited four-year on her own. use research services for archeological, college or university as a graduate Earlier this year, Wagner was environmental, and land development or undergraduate student. named the first female chair of the projects. Wagner was responsible Ideal applicants will demonstrate an Harris County Historical Commission for registering the Old Sixth Ward as interest in pursuing a career in history, (CHC). She was officially sworn in by Harris County’s first historic district and preservation, architecture, landscape Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and was also instrumental in designating architecture, archeology, downtown was commended for breaking the Houston’s first subdivision, Frost Town, revitalization, or heritage tourism. gender barrier. Wagner also serves as a City of Houston Landmark. Wagner Applications are available at as president of the Harris County is currently working on a book detailing www.thcfriends.org/diversityinternship. Historical Society, the oldest historical her 20 years of research on Carolana The deadline for submission is organization in Harris County. Florida, a 17th-century English colony January 31, 2012. in Houston and the Gulf Coast region.

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 14 CHC CORNER CHC Impact Th e Medallion is published bimonthly by the Texas Historical Commission. Address Groups Doing More with Less correspondence to: Managing Editor, Th e Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276. Portions of the newsletter that By Amy Hammons, County Historical Commission Outreach Coordinator are not copyrighted or reprinted from other sources may be reprinted with permission. Contributions for the support of this Th e year 2011 has been fi lled with • Keep track of time, travel, publication are gratefully accepted. For conversations about the value of and expenses and report the information about alternate formats of this publication, contact the THC preserving and promoting our heritage. information to your county at 512.463.6255. Inevitably, this leads to questioning to document the extent of the the value of preservationists’ service–– investment in your appointed role. TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Commissioners: the time, energy, and money we invest Th is also affi rms the contribution Jon T. Hansen, Chair in our eff orts to save the real places of your volunteers. David A. Gravelle, Vice Chair Gilbert E. Peterson, Secretary of Texas. • Provide realistic budgets for It is diffi cult to express and qualify your work. Instead of lowering Th omas E. Alexander Sheri S. Krause Earl Broussard Jr. Matthew Kreisle preservation’s intangible impacts on your requested amount for fear A. Mario Castillo Tom Perini a community. Consequently, County of being turned down, provide Leslie “Kirk” Courson Th omas R. Phillips Historical Commissions (CHC) are a line-itemed estimate of the John W. Crain Judy Richardson Lisa A. Hembry Nancy Steves undervalued and rarely provided the proposed work including Steven L. Highlander Daisy Sloan White funding necessary to do the work for any in-kind supplements Commissioner Emeritus: T. R. Fehrenbach which they are tasked. that contribute to the Executive Director: Mark Wolfe Typically, CHCs rise to these entire cost. Th is shows Medallion Staﬀ : fi nancial challenges and continue to ingenuity to fund quality Heather McBride Department Head serve by supplementing county budgets projects in their entirety. Andy Rhodes Managing Editor Barbara Putrino Contributing Editor with personal funds and services. • Make the most of any Judy Jensen Senior Graphic Designer As a result, it becomes diffi cult to opportunity to work with

ISSN 0890-7595 demonstrate the need for continued partners and professionals. Vol. 49, No. IV and additional support when our Ensure your appointees www.thc.state.tx.us [email protected] only response is to do more work attentively listen at Th e Medallion is fi nanced in part by a grant with fewer resources. presentations and apply the from the National Park Service, U.S. Consider how this impacts our information off ered. Department of the Interior. All of the agency’s members and partners. Do we value During this time of public programs and activities are operated free from discrimination on the basis of race, our volunteers if we not only expect reduced color, national origin, age, gender or disability. more of their time, but also expect budgets, Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to Offi ce them to incur more out-of-pocket oppor- of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of expenses to fund projects? tunities the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. Th ink of your requests to with sizable Th e Medallion is available online at www.thc. professionals for presentations, site impacts will be prioritized state.tx.us/medallionmag/mddefault.shtml. If visits, and conditions assessments, by your county, partners, you would prefer to receive Th e Medallion which require research, preparation, and appointees. Make electronically instead of through the mail, please send your name and address to evaluation, and travel costs. If we sure your CHC is the best [email protected]. You will be notifi ed by continue to expect others to provide investment of everyone’s time email when each new issue is available on the ★ THC web site and will no longer receive a these services pro–bono or at a reduced and money. printed copy. rate, then we may undervalue their worth just as others often undervalue Bob Brinkman, THC preservation professional, frequently prepares the signifi cant contributions of CHCs. presentations for the public and Our Mission Th ere are no simple solutions to CHCs on history-related topics. To protect and preserve the state’s historic these quandaries, but the following tips and prehistoric resources for the use, will help to illustrate and convey the education, enjoyment, and economic benefi t of present and future generations. value of CHCs’ work.

FALL 2011 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 15 NOTICE PRESORTED Texas law requires quarterly state STANDARD newsletters to notify recipients that U.S. POSTAGE PAID to continue receiving the publication, AUSTIN, TX they must request it once each year. PERMIT NO. 1938 To maintain your free subscription to The Medallion, please mail or fax this portion of the page (including the mailing label) to:

The Medallion Circulation P.O. Box 12276 Austin, TX 78711-2276 Fax: 512.463.6374

Signature Date

WHERE ON EARTH...IN TEXAS

Know your Texas history? Put your skills to the test by identifying the pictured site! The ﬁ rst three people who correctly identify the location will receive prizes from the THC’s Texas Heritage Trails Program and be named in the next issue of The Medallion. Send your answer to: The Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276; via fax to 512.463.6374; or email to [email protected]. WNeed a clue? Located in North Texas and dating to 1867, this small building was reconstructed in the 1930s after residents complained about the site’s unsightly ruins.

Answer to the photo from the last issue: This monument, located at Monument Hill/ Kreische Brewery State Historic Site in La Grange, was created for the Texas Centennial Commission as an homage to those who died in the Dawson Massacre and the Mier Expedition.

Congratulations to the ﬁ rst three readers who submitted the correct answer: Gladys Dickson of Lampasas, Auddy Hernandez of Zapata, and Margaret Roscher of La Grange. Thanks to all participants! ★