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ti v' THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEDALLI(*N SUMMER 2017

ISSN 0890-7595 Vol. 55, No. III thc.texas.gov [email protected]

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION John L. Nau, Ill Chairman John W. Crain Vice Chairman Gilbert E. "Pete" Peterson Secretary

Earl Broussard, Jr. Tom Perini Monica Burdette Robert K. Shepard Wallace B. Jefferson Daisy Sloan White Catherine McKnight

Mark Wolfe FXP('Icti\/P Director

Medalion STAFF Chris Florance Division Director Andy Rhodes Managing Editor Judy Jensen Sr. Graphic Design Coordinator

thc.texas.gov Real places telling the real stories of Texas

texastimetravel.com The Texas Heritage Trails Program's travel resnurre

texashistoricsites.com The THC's 21 state historic properties

thcfriends.org Friends of the Texas Historical Commissinn

DE rcJTube @

Fast Facts These numbers show the significant economic impact of annual travel and heritage-related spending in Texas. C Source: Economic Impact of Historic Preservation in Texas, 2015

$58.4 $2.25 54,0 BILLION IN DIRECT BILLION IN HEPITAgr TIJRISM JOBS CREATED VISITOR SPENDING VIA HERITAGE TRAVEL

2 THE MEDALLION SUMMER 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Dear Friends,

Now that the 85th 's regular session has I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that we will also be wrapped up, I'd like to share the impact it will have on making some challenging financial-planning decisions our agency and our valuable preservation partners across due to a budget reduction imposed on all state agencies. the state. We will continue to prioritize our efforts to efficiently invest in the historic buildings and cultural landscapes The Texas Historical Commission fared well during the that have defined Texas' special sense of place for centuries. recent session, most notably with our programs dedicated to courthouse preservation and state historic sites. It's exciting to know we'll be partnering in these efforts The Legislature included $20.2 million for the THC's with all of you throughout this great state. We look nationally recognized Texas Historic Courthouse forward to the opportunity to protect and preserve Texas' Preservation Program, which will assist more counties history and economy for the benefit of future generations. seeking to preserve their courthouses. Sincerely, In addition, we received $1.5 million for our Texas Heritage Trails Program, and $6.3 million to address including deferred capital needs at our historic sites, Mark Wolfe maintenance and new construction projects. We're Executive Director especially excited about our continuing work on a new museum at San Felipe de State Historic Site.

In other sites-related news, the THC accepted its newest historic property-the in Austin. Dating to 1841, the site once served as the home of a French dignitary to the , and is among the city's most historic properties. Our agency officially assumes operation of the French Legation on September 1, 2017, although it will likely be closed for at least a year to address significant maintenance issues.

THC.TEXAS.GOV SUMMER 2017 THE MEDALLION 3 Ship Shape Texas' WWI-related Shipwrecks Outnumber All Other Historical Categories

By Amy Borgens and Dorothy Rowland State Marine Archeologist and Marine Archeology Program Intern

As the Texas Historical Commission unfinished. Attempts to sell or convert Texas' best-known concrete ship from continues its commemoration of the the ships largely failed, and many World War I is the 425-foot tanker World War I centennial, one of the were abandoned in the Sabine and SS Selma, which was built in 1918 and agency's primary missions is to educate Neches rivers in the 1920s. There are served as a merchant vessel for less than Texans about the state's connection to 29 wooden EFC vessels in a year before running aground near the Great War. Many residents may be rivers and an additional nine on the Tampico, . SS Selma limped surprised to learn about the number Louisiana side of the Sabine River. This back to Galveston for repairs, which of World War I-related shipwrecks is believed to be the second-largest were ultimately determined to be too in Texas. collection of abandoned EFC vessels in complicated. Instead, SS Selma was the U.S., after the Mallow Bay "Ghost deliberately sunk in a shallow area in In fact, the THC's Marine Fleet" in Maryland's Potomac River. Galveston Bay. Archeology Program oversees 32 war-associated shipwreck A second ship from this program archeological sites in state is also believed to be off the waters-the largest number ,I Texas coast. SS Dismore was of discovered shipwrecks by built in 1920 and had a very historical category. All of these short life as a shipping vessel. -i are tied to Texas' World War I SS Dismore was retired from shipbuilding effort. To offset service and used as a breakwater allied merchant vessel losses off the Texas coast around 1921, during the war, the U.S. but the ship's exact location Shipping Board contracted new is unknown. ship construction in southeastern Texas. Due to concerns about Two concrete ships-Darlington and Durham-were built in Port metal shortages during the war, shipbuilders supplemented the Aransas in 1919. These ships steel fleets with more traditional had rounded hulls, which caused them to be very poor sailers. By material types, such as wood, This wooden vessel was constructed in Beaumont in 1918. Many and also experimented with similar r ships were built for the government's Emergency Fleet 1925, both ships were no longer oration during World War I. concrete. The construction Corp in service. Durham was sunk of these vessels was designed, to be used as a fishing pier Many of these Texas shipwrecks are contracted, or commenced during the off Galveston, and Darlingtonsank locally well known and are sometimes war, although they may have been built in Matagorda Bay as it was towed visible when river levels are low. The later and repurposed. to Galveston. THC's Marine Archeology Program, Wooden vessels built in Texas during in partnership with the Underwater "Wooden and concrete ships are one Society World War I were constructed for the and Historical Exploration of Texas' lesser-known connections Emergency Fleet Corporation (EFC) and Louisiana's Office of Cultural to World War I," said Pat Mercado- and are believed to be primarily 281- Development's Division of Allinger, director of the THC's foot "Ferris" class steamships. These Archaeology, investigated some Archeology Division. "As we continue were predominantly constructed in of the sunken Sabine River EFC vessels to learn more about this unique Orange and Beaumont due to the from 1999-2000. One of the Neches aspect of Texas history, we take plentiful pine resources, but also River wrecks was discovered in 2006 pride in adding to our state's World in Rockport. by environmental consulting firm War I legacy." PBS&J during a survey for a Texas With the armistice, contracts were Department of Transportation bridge terminated and many vessels were construction project.

4 THE MEDALLION SUMMER 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 44

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UNWIND WITH HISTORY AND RECREATION AT CADDO LAKE By Rob Hodges, THC Communications Project Coordinator followed closely, as it's easy to get stuck in the shallows Legends of the Caddo Indians provide explanations for or lost in the labyrinthine the origin of the lake they called Tso'to, but geologists waterways. believe Caddo Lake was formed by the Great Raft, a nearly ;J Y A Texas Historical 100-mile-long logjam on the Red River in Louisiana. Commission marker greets Caddo lived in the nearby village Sha'chahdinnih (Timber 491 heritage travelers at Caddo Hill) from roughly 1800 to the early 1840s, when East Texas Lake State Park, where tribes were forcibly relocated. Their removal marked the end they'll find recreational of at least 12,000 years of indigenous habitation of the area. opportunities and historic During the Republic of Texas era and a few decades during structures built by the statehood, riverboats plied the swampy waters of Caddo Civilian Conservation Corps Lake, then known as Ferry Lake or Big Lake. Goods and } (CCC) in the 1930s. Nine people were transported on steamboats between Louisiana cabins, a group recreation and bustling Texas ports such as Swanson's Landing, Port hall, and a shelter house are Caddo, and Jefferson. .4. among the CCC-constructed The riverboat freight industry thrived and expanded when buildings standing today. the lake was connected to the railroad in the mid-1850s. Built in a rustic style from But all that changed in the 1870s when the Great Raft was se natural materials in the cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The water level surrounding forest, the cabins fell dramatically. The expansion of the railroad over the next make a perfect home base for couple decades then sealed the fate of the riverboat industry. explorations of the park. Today, Caddo Lake primarily draws visitors seeking water The nearby Pine Ridge hiking recreation and nature experiences. Travelers can base a trail connects to the Caddo trip near the town of Uncertain, where they'll find rental Forest Trail and leads to the properties and boat launches for fishing, boating, and shelter house (aka CCC paddling expeditions. These are good put-in points to Pavilion) for an easy hike of explore the lake via kayak or canoe on one of Texas Parks and less than a mile. Combine it Wildlife Department's officially designated paddling trails. with other trails that wind White signs nailed to trees mark the routes for the Cathedral, through the forest for a Turtle Shell, and Old Folks Playground trails, which guide memorable and hilly trek of paddlers through the lake's famous Spanish moss-covered nearly two miles. cypress trees. To see more photos and Herons, egrets, turtles, and jumping fish make regular video of Caddo Lake and appearances, while a host of other wildlife-including Caddo Lake State Park, alligators and beavers-tend to be secluded. Flat-bottomed visit thc.texas.gov/blog. motorboats are available to rent for deeper ventures into the sloughs and bayous of the swamp, but routes should be SUMMER 2017 THE MEDALLION 5 k, Am 49

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.4 A F It/. ,%2I~ s Text by Andy Rhodes Photographs by Patrick Hughey

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-.----. The first adrenaline rush hits you during the drop down. Then r comes the exhilarating moment of impact.

The thrill of free-falling from a rope were dammed circa .w swing, high boulder, or diving board is 1850; a century later, the pool (Spring quickly usurped by the jolt of icy water Lake) became the centerpiece of ,"p mar . U that engulfs your body upon plunging Aquarena Springs amusement park. into the aqua-blue depths. These It now hosts the MCWE's glass-bottom sensations and other life-nourishing boat tours. The springs also feed the San elements have drawn people to Texas' Marcos River, where Rio Vista Park- historic spring-fed swimming holes for featuring a historic dam with a chute of more than 10,000 years. swiftly flowing water-draws swimmers, paddlers, and sunbathers. Texas Historical Commission markers across the state note that American More than 3,000 springs babble across Indians frequented these natural springs the state, but Texas' best-known historic to hunt animals drawn to the reliable swimming holes are clustered along an water sources. In the process, the early arc hugging the eastern edge of the Hill Texans undoubtedly dipped into the Country-from roughly Austin to San clear refreshing pools to cool off on a Antonio and continuing westward toward hot summer day. Del Rio.

These days, heritage travelers and locals Hundreds of miles away in Far West value the springs' recreational relief, but Texas lies Balmorhea State Park's pool, an they don't often question the geological iconic Texas swimming hole fed by nearly source. How did these swimming holes 20 million gallons of water gushing daily form in the first place? from San Solomon Springs.

According to Texas State University's According to Tim Roberts, Texas Parks Sam Massey, an assistant manager for and Wildlife Department's cultural education at the Meadows Center for resources coordinator for the West Water and the Environment (MCWE), Texas Region, the San Solomon Springs the springs originate when a fissure forms likely receive their water from nearby in the aquifer's limestone. These are mountains. Runoff from the Davis typically found along faults where the Mountains and other ranges farther rock is fragmented. In , west supply the groundwater that has the provides the fractures nourished the area for millennia. for water to flow from the subterranean around here dates through natural "Archeological work the Late conduits, which become springs, to the Paleo-Indian people from Archaic period," Roberts says. "Hundreds "Most of the faults were formed by of years ago, the Jumano Indians used the earthquakes millions of years ago," springs for irrigation, and the Mescalero Massey explains. "Through the erosional Apache also had a presence here." process, water gets through the porous evidence of limestone and flows continuously There's no documented from the fissures with varying degrees ancient water toys or games played bu holes, but of pressure." of pessue."the state's historic swimming Texans of the past were likely leaping As a result, the steady flow along a creek from lofty spots to experience the unique or river often provides a natural pool, thrill of descending into a cool spring-fed which can become a swimming hole. The pool on a scorching summer afternoon. SUMMER 2017 THE MEDALLION 7 U (3 A If' PHOTOGRAPHERS Capture BICYCLISTS Explore the HISTORIC LODGING LOCAL EATS Opie's Barbecue the stunning cypress trees hike-and-bike trail by Balmorhea's adobe San Felipe near Krause Springs serves near Krause Springs. Austin's spring-fed pools. Courts date to the 1930s. mouth-watering meats.

HAMILTON POOL, Dripping AND DEEP KRAUSE SPRINGS, Spicewood Springs (parks.traviscountytx.gov) EDDY, Austin (austintexas.gov/parks) (krausesprings.net) Step back in time at If you visit only one Texas swimming Barton Springs is deservedly referred this historic Hill Country swimming hole this summer, opt for Hamilton to as Austin's crown jewel, and the hole, a refreshing privately owned Pool 24 miles west of Austin. Beyond constant 68-degree flow of water-up property operated by the Krause family stunning, the panoramic beauty to 80 million gallons daily-provides for more than 50 years. Located nearly awaiting at this lush wonderland revelers a cool respite on triple-digit 35 miles northwest of Austin, this lush includes a waterfall plunging more summer days. A THC marker notes landscape features a fern-filled, than 50 feet from an arced terrace that Spanish missions once occupied waterfall-topped grotto surrounded into an azure pool. the banks in 1731 (no trace of them by knotty outstretched cypress trees. exists), followed in the 1800s by According to Michael Brewster, parks a merry-go-round, riverboat, and Listed in the National Register, the supervisor of Travis County's Hamilton ice machines. 115-acre property contains 32 springs, Pool District, the waterfall originates which flow into Cypress Creek and as natural springs near the curved Today, Barton Springs remains a eventually . One of the geological formation, which is a natural escape in this rapidly growing springs feeds a man-made pool collapsed grotto dating back thousands city. An ample hillside offers a shady on a bluff, while others form the of years. Tonkawa and Apache tribes place to relax while watching swimmers comfortably sized swimming hole. lived nearby, and the property was of all ages attempt varying degrees of One of Krause Springs' main draws is a eventually purchased in the mid-1800s daring jumps from the diving board. affixed near a large boulder by the brother of Texas governor rope swing A mile upriver is , on the bank. Swimmers Andrew Hamilton. young and old which celebrated its centennial in grasp the rope and squeal in delight "It's a very beautiful place. People think 2016. Named for an eddy (circular (or fear) as they swoop toward the of it as only a swimming hole, but they current) formed by a large boulder, welcoming water. don't always appreciate the history of this National Register-listed site is Krause Springs also offers the natural preserve around it," he says. distinctive for its immense 600,000- camping and gallon capacity pool and tree-filled gardens for those seeking a low-key Note: due to overwhelming demand, surroundings, providing a cool weekend getaway. the county has implemented an online compliment to the 70-degree water. reservation system (capped at 70 visitors daily).

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NF BALMORHEA STATE PARK, Toyahvale (tpwd. texas.gov) Balmorhea is an oasis on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. The 1.75- acre pool, concession building, two bath houses, and motor lodge were constructed by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. These stunning whitewashed adobe buildings reflect the site's arid surroundings and Southwestern heritage.

According to Park Superintendent Carolyn Rose, the pool has averaged nearly 160,000 visitors the past few years. The strain on the site prompted park officials to implement a cap of 1,300 daily passes.

On most summer days, the pool will host nearly that many visitwis, who explore the vast pool by swimming, .nnrkeling, 01 scuba diving. A major draw is the diving board directly atop the San Solomon Springs, which pump nearly 20 million gallons of /2-degtee refreshment into the historic waters Oach day

"The springs are really a major draw for so many people-it's been a destination 3 for thousands of years," Rose says. "This is a very special, beautiful, and unique place. You won't find anywhere else like this in the entire state of Texas." JACOB'S WELL usually choose a lower rock for a AND BLUE HOLE, Wimberley swift dive or splashy cannonball. (www. co. hays. tx. us andjwna. check front.com/reserve) Located about 40 A few miles southeast, Blue Hole miles southwest of Austin, Wimberley provides a lush landscape straight out provides summer travelers two of a postcard. Cypress branches form a fascinatingly different swimming vivid-green canopy over the clear blue holes to help beat the heat. water, punctuated by splashes from rope-swing jumpers. Surrounded by a Among the finest in the state is Jacob's 126-acre regional park with trails and Well, a Hays County-operated park picnic areas, Blue Hole offers visitors a featuring a 30-foot deep crystal clear, picturesque escape unlike any other in ice-cold natural pool. Visitors gather Central Texas. around a series of tall outcroppings to watch swimmers consider several Both sites encourage advanced jumping-off options. Teenagers reservations. scale the nearly 20-foot boulders - For more stories, photographs, to fearlessly leap into the chasm - and videos, please visit below, while children and adults thc.texas.gov/blog. T H C.T EXAS.GOV Summer Scho~ol THC's Interns Continue Preservation Education I

By Andy Rhodes 6O Managing Editor, The Medallion

0 60 - This summer, the Texas Historical Commission welcomed two college interns to Austin for nearly two months of preservation education through the agency's Preservation R Scholars program (formerly Diversity Interns). a" Zoe Simien (Texas State University) and Ledell Thomas (Prairie View A&M University) will spend much of the summer working with THC staff on projects related to their fields of study. Both are looking forward to experiencing the day-to-day tasks of working in a professional preservation environment. sammenassammassenemmenennemanamam

archeologically significant sites. I felt early Spanish exploration. Since then, ZOF SIMIEN this needed to change. Combining this more cultures have been added, and drive with my passion for archeology the mixture has grown more than many Texas State University allows me to protect these sites. other states because of its geographical location. Insight into much of Earth's Why didyou decide to pursue this internship opportunity with the T What are you lookingforward to history is deep within Texan grounds. accomplishingduring your internship When I came across the internsh this summer? How do you anticipate usingyour I saw it as an opportunity to gain I hope to make a strong foundation experience at the THC in thefuture? more experience and the "know- for future training of law enforcement The knowledge and skills I develop how" of preserving and protection officers on preservation and as a Preservation Scholar for the THC historical sites. site protection. will enable me to implement better site protection with the help of law How have your past experiences pry Why is Texas an interestingplace to enforcement officers throughout you for interning with the agency? pursue a career in a history-relatedfield? the state, country, and hopefully I have faced a lot of challenges There was a rich culture in Texas before the world. in college and obstacles at work that I h6d ro either work How do you like to spend your through or find a way around. free time? The work I am doing at the I am focusing a lot of my time and agency is not easy, and my past effort on my career and working experiences in school and work toward accomplishing my goal of have prepared me for the hard combining law enforcement with work ahead. archeology and enhancing the e preservation and protection What factors did you consider of archeologically significant when choosingyour major? _ f sites. I also enjoy family time I chose to major in criminal ilk and different activities downtown justice because I have a strong I when I have the chance. drive to protect those who need it. As I continued my college education, I realized there was a shortage in law enforcement's involvement with protecting and preserving

10 THE MEDALLION SUMMER 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION LEDELL THOMAS Prairie View A&M University How do you anticipateusing Why didyou decide to pursue your experience at the THC in this internship opportunity with the future? the THC? I plan to use the experience to I decided to pursue this internship allow me to obtain information to gain more knowledge about the What factors did you consider when about historical places that have preservation and . choosingyour major? significance to the culture and past of I'll be able to have a background When choosing my major, I knew from Texas. It will enhance my knowledge in working with a commission that a young age that I wanted to go into of the architecture and character of celebrates the rich history of Texas, and the field of architecture. I love to design Texas in order to preserve it as I move grasp the importance of preservation facilities that people will inhabit and forward in my architecture career. for the future of Texas. I hope to use utilize for their needs. It's important my research about Texas' history to to know the history of a building's How do you like to spendyour free time? contribute to the new and future environment, since it will serve as a When I get a chance to have free architecture culture. visual representation of the time and time, I like to read and watch videos culture it was built in. about different forms of architecture, How have your past experiences prepared and about sustainability and building you for interning with the agency? What are you lookingforward to efficiency. I apply this knowledge to I've obtained leadership skills from accomplishingduring your internship my future designs for the building, being a trainee manager at McDonald's this summer? so it can be built and work as and sponsor associate at Walmart. I'm looking forward to learning more efficiently as possible while still This will be beneficial when making about the history and . being aesthetically pleasing. decisions, being organized, harboring I'll incorporate those principles when morals, and knowing how to take designing for future buildings and directions for the task to be completed developments to preserve the rich on time. I also had the pleasure of history and culture of Texas. partnering with the executive director at Independent Heights Redevelopment Why is Texas an interestingplace Council (in ), where my to pursue a career in a history- group's proposal has been used for the relatedfield? revitalization of Independence Heights Texas is an interesting place to pursue and is now being implemented for a career in history-related field because the community. of its diversity. Since Texas has served as home and a safe haven for many, you get to experience diverse cultural backgrounds within its history.

THC.TEXAS.GOV SUMMER 2017 THE MEDALLION 11 See n Tre asure, THC Business Award Honors Historic Texas Companies

By Andy Rhodes Managing Editor; The Medallion

Most people notice when a new the company's manufacturing and In , Felcman's Men's and business opens in their community- corporate home. The building's historic Ladies' Shop was established in 1919 especially when it's in a prominent hardwood floors, exposed steel beam by Frank Felcman, who crafted historic downtown building. But supports, and fragrance from the tailor-made suits until 1940. After what about other enterprises that can roasting coffee remind locals of serving in the Navy, his son Frank fade into the background due to their the business' long-standing ties Felcman Jr. and wife Mary Ann perpetual presence? to the community. established a complete menswear shop in Ennis. These companies often represent the Another recent TTBA recipient, backbone of a town's economy; as a Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, opened in San Their daughter Juliana worked for result, they serve as ideal candidates Antonio in 1950. Armed with a $500 the company during high school and for the Texas Historical Commission's loan from his father, Bill Miller opened continued until her father's retirement Texas Treasure Business Award a small poultry and egg business, in 1996. Juliana eventually purchased (TTBA). The TTBA pays tribute to which evolved into a small fried the store from her father, and added the businesses that reflect the state's chicken restaurant, then hamburgers, ladies apparel and accessories, jewelry, history, having provided employment and finally barbecue. Today there are home decor, and tuxedo rentals. for at least 50 years and significant 69 Bill Miller Bar-B-Q restaurants in The business has operated in the contributions to the state's economic the , Corpus Christi, and same location since 1924, in an growth. More than 350 businesses- Austin markets. 1872 building located in Ennis' including 54 dating to the downtown National Register 19th century-have received Historic District. the award since 2005, and the decorative decals indicating R Businesses can be nominated this distinction are increasingly for the award by an being displayed on storefronts elected state official, business representative, aciuss Texas. community member, The Beaumont Main Street or organization-including program recently bestowed Main Street managers this distinctive honor to 20 and County Historical businesses at a special 25th * Commission members. anniversary celebration on They must meet the May 11. THC Chairman John * following criteria: operate L. Nau, III gave the keynote as a for-profit business address to nearly 300 attendees 4R in Texas for at least 50 and presented a specially years, offer the same or designed TTBA medallion THC Ch airman John L. Nau, Ill (holding award) presented 20 TTBA very similar type of business medalli ons at Beaumont Main Street's anniversary event. From left a re BMS' as to the recipients. it did at least 50 years ago, Tom Be ll, Nau, Reagan Rothenberger, and the THC's Brad Patterson. and have a continuous record Among them was the Texas Bill Miller Bar-B-Q proudly offered of employment for at least the past Coffee Company, which opened in to-go cuisine with a five-minute 50 years. 1921 when Charles Fertitta began service, which was rare at the time. with $1,800, a few pounds of The company's concept of serving For more information about the coffee, and a shotgun-style shack in daily barbecued meats and baked THC's Texas Treasure Business Award downtown Beaumont. By 1926, the goods from a central commissary was or to download a nomination form, additional company moved to a larger facility considered unique to its industry. visit thc.texas.gov/ttba. For on Port Arthur Road, which remains details, call 512-463-6006.

12 THE MEDALLION SUMMER 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Navarro Goes National THC's San Antonio Site Receives Federal Historic Designation

By Heather McBride THC Senior Communications Specialist

On a crisp, sunny day last February, more than 250 people gathered at Casa Navarro State Historic Site to celebrate Jos6 Antonio Navarro's 222nd birthday and the site's recent designation as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

"As custodians of this historic property, we are grateful for this national designation," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. "Navarro's story of patriotism, liberty, and quest for equality for his people is one that inspired not only Texans but people across the nation."

Today, Casa Navarro is the bcst- preserved historic property in its A crowd celebrated Casa Navarro s recent designation as a National Historic Landmark. original location directly associated with Navarro. He was one of only two Located in a San Antonio neighborhood Administered by the National Tejano signers of the Texas Declaration once known as Laredito (Little Laredo), Park Service, the National Historic of Independence, a writer of the Texas the site consists of three contributing Landmarks program highlights places of State Constitution, a champion of civil buildings-Navarro's house, a two- exceptional historic value to the nation. rights for , and the namesake story office and mercantile structure These landmarks are designated by the of Navarro County. constructed in the 1850s, and a free- Secretary of the Interior because they standing kitchen with a central room possess extraordinary value and illustrate dating to the early 1830s. the heritage of the U.S. through their history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture.

For more information Sam about the site, call 210-226-4801 or go to visitcasa navarro.com.

_eft: Casa Navarro visitors. Above: The 222nd birthday party.

THC.TEXAS.GOV SUMMER 2017 THE MEDALLION 13 Celebrate 'The Boom that Won the War' V

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- r Above and left: The community of Ranger, located 85 miles west of Fort Worth, became a true boom town in 1917 when the McCleskey No. 1 well came in as a gusher. A-l The Eastland County Historical Commission celebrates the event's centennial in October.

Make plans to visit Ranger, 85 miles west of Fort Worth, to celebrate local, According to Eastland CHC member Jeane state, national, and international history. The Eastland County Historical Pruett, "The Ranger Boom was heard far Commission kicks off an entire week of celebrating Ranger's "oil boom and wide." The , Great Britain, centennial" on October 14. Italy, and France were in WWI and facing a critical petroleum shortage, which threatened In October 1917, the Thurber-based Texas and Pacific Coal Company to halt Allied equipment. Thanks in part to completed an oil well on the H. McCleskey farm near Ranger. The well J. oil reserves from the Ranger Field, Pruett came in as a gusher, making 1,600 barrels daily, which started the rush notes that Ranger became known as "the to Ranger and the development of one of the most esteemed oil fields in boom that won the war." the country. For more information about the centennial event, email [email protected].

THC Web Film Honor the USS Houston's Highlights 75th Anniversary 'hliad Massacre This year marks the 75th anniversary of a high The THC recently premiered point of the city of Houston's World War II a web film about the Goliad patriotism. After the cruiser USS Houston was Massacre that uses 360-degree sunk in the Battle of Sundra Strait, a call went ~k ~ video technology, offering a out for a replacement crew. On Memorial Day new way to experience this weekend of 1942, more than 1,000 new Navy dramatic historical event. The recruits, known as the Houston Volunteers, film is available for free viewing at thc.texas.gov/goliad-massacre. were sworn in on Main Street in front of large crowds lining the streets. The film features new information and video footage of artifacts, the location of Col. James W. Fannin's death, and details regarding the Battle A granite historical marker was placed in of Coleto Creek. The five-minute video helps viewers gain a deeper 1973 to commemorate the mass swearing- understanding of the tragic story that played an important role in the in ceremony, and a granite monument at 1836 march toward Texas independence. Sam Houston Park includes the bell from the first USS Houston, along with the names ' 9001bs of Creative provided film production and creative and design of the men who were lost. To learn more services. Gravelle Branding/Marketing of Dallas provided overall direction about Texas' significant military legacy, and strategic services. visit thc.texas.gov/ww2.

14 THE MEDALLION SUMMER 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Community Restoration Llano CHC Assists Preservation Organizations with Marker-Cleaning Project

By Andy Rhodes Managing Editor, The Medallion

Sometimes a challenge can galvanize "Tex" Toller, the city's Main Street graffiti paint to saponify, or turn to a community. manager and historic preservation soap. The following day, he rinsed the officer, to ensure locals and visitors soap and granite, leaving virtually no Earlier this year, vandals defaced benefitted from the restoration services. trace of painted lettering. historical markers in Llano County, Attendees were especially appreciative including a granite centennial marker of the Llano CHC's generous offering Centennial markers have become southeast of Llano. The incident of a hearty barbecue lunch. significant works of public history and resulted in local heritage groups- art throughout the state. The THC notably the Llano County oversees the 1936 markers Historical Commission and often works with CHCs (CHC)-organizing to coordinate their repair and restoration plans and relocation when necessary. solidifying the community's Restoration efforts for the preservation efforts. markers are ongoing to address wear and damage caused by On May 23, noted conservator, weather, vehicles, and vandals. Robert Marshall helped restore . S 4 the 80-year-old historical Your CHC can follow Llano's marker that commemorates lead by playing an important an 1873 battle between role in galvanizing area American Indians and settlers preservation groups to work on Packsaddle Mountain. Ntd cc nservator Robert Marshall (seated) worked with the Llano C HC and together for a common project Marshall gathered with members of the preservation community for a marker-cleaning project in May. or cause. As the THC's local representatives of the Llano representatives for marker- CHC, Texas Historical Commission, For CHCs interested in undertaking related issues, CHCs can contribute and local preservationists to tackle the similar restoration projects, contact the by keeping communication channels graffiti-removing project. In addition, THC's Marker Program Coordinator open and continuing to support they addressed damage to the marker's Bob Brinkman for guidelines regarding positive preservation efforts throughout bronze center star and wreath, and specific needs. In Llano's case (involving the county. lettering marred by rust stains. a granite surface), the conservator for Marshall coated the granite in a To assist with statewide restoration thcfriends.org. The Llano CHC joined with biodegradable cleaning product centennial markers, visit community partners, including Terry that soaked overnight to allow the

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