Pattison Area Heritage Society Meeting - February 28, 2011

Next Guest Night is tonight Monday February 28, 2011. Mark your calenders and get ready for the next Pattison Area Heritage Society meeting and hear some great stories and history that originated from the folks in the Pattison, Texas area. Tonight's guest speaker will be Betty Robinson a very interesting woman who grew up in San Felipe, Texas.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Pattison Area Volunteer Fire Department.

175th Texas Independence and Sam Houston's Birthday! Huntsville, Texas

The Walker County Historical Commission, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center, and Main Street cordially invite you to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Texas Independence and General Houston's Birthday, Wednesday, March 2, 2011. This year's celebration will include the dedication of the Bear Bend Cabin.

The coffee and reception will be from 9:15-10:15 a.m. at the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. The ceremony at the grave of Sam Houston in the Oakwood Cemetery will begin at 11:00 a.m. The speaker will be M. Scott Sosebee. Sam Houston's grave is located on Sam Houston Memorial Drive (Avenue I) & 9th Street (rain site Mance Park Middle School). The luncheon will follow at 12:30 p.m. at The Homestead on 19th St., 1215 19th Street. The cost of the meal is $20.00.

The dedication of the Bear Bend Cabin, "Toast of Texas" and Sam Houston Birthday Cake will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum Grounds.

For the luncheon, Please make checks payable to the Walker County Historical Commission c/o Main Street Program, 1203 University Avenue, Huntsville, Texas 77340. There are only one hundred seats available for the luncheon and payment must be received in advance of the event. So, please make reservations early. They cannot accommodate walk ins.

For more information, contact Kim McAuliffe, Huntsville Main Street at 936-291-5920 or email kmcauliffe@huntsvilletx.gov .

2011 Battle of San Jacinto Symposium

The 2011 Battle of San Jacinto Symposium will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center at the University of Houston. This year's theme will focus on the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto on the United, States, Texas and Mexico as well as the the Battle's cultural legacy depicted in art.

Dr. Daniel Walker Howe, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for his book, What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848, will address "The Battle's Impact on the United States." Dr. Ty Cashion, Professor of History at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, will address "The Battle's Impact on Texas." Hon. Romeo Ricardo Flores Caballero is the Director of the State Archives of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey and a noted authority on the Armerican-Mexican frontier and will speak about "The Battle's Impact on Mexico." Dr. Sam Deshong Ratliffe is Head of the Bywaters Special Collections at the Hamon Arts Library at Southern Methodist University and will speak on "The Battle's Cultural Legacy Through Its Depiction in Art."

The 2011 Battle of San Jacinto Symposium is just $55.00 per person and includes speakers, lunch, parking, exhibits, books dealers, and fellowship with Texas history buffs. The Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center is located at 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston, Texas. The Symposium is also Certified Professional Education Provider for school teachers.

The Symposium is sponsored by Friends of the of San Jacinto Battleground Association. All Symposium proceeds benefit the Friend's educational programs and the historic preservation mission at the San Jacinto Battleground. For additional information see the Friends of San Jacinto Battleground Association's web site at http://www.friendsofsanjacinto.org/.

175th Anniversary of Texas Independence - Governor's Proclamation

Governor Rick Perry has issued a proclamation recognizing the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. The Texas Independence Day proclamation reads as follows:

State of Texas

Office of the Governor

One hundred and seventy-five years ago, on March 2, 1836, delegates from throughout what was then the Mexican Deprtment of Texas convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Thus, the Republic of Texas was born.

From the fall of 1835 to spring 1836, Texans of all backgrounds came together to fight for liberty and better government. It was a daunting struggle, and the Texas rebels endured hardship and defeat, most notably at the Alamo and Goliad. But with determination, Texan forces defeated Santa Anna, which ended the war and assured Texas' independence.

The Republic of Texas existed nine years until it joined the union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845. The Lone Star State still has the distinction of being the only state to have been a sovereign country.

At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about, reflect on and take pride in their unique and special history.

Therefore, I Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim March 2, 2011, to be

Texas Independence Day

in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 11th day of January, 2011.

Rick Perry
Governor of Texas