Milam County Historical Commission

The purpose of the Milam County Historical Commission is to preserve, protect, and promote history within Milam County, Texas.

 

NEWSLETTER

Volume No. 9

Date December 31, 2002

Milam County Historical Commission NEWSLETTER

Volume 9 Date December 31, 2002

CONTENTS

MCHC 2002 Accomplishments

New MCHC Officers 2003 – 2004

Brazos Trail update

Texas Parks & Wildlife "Horned Toad Essay

Milam County Certified Local Government

January 13, 2003 MCHC Meeting

Lakes/Brazos Regional Meeting – Denton, TX

Annual Texas Historical Commission Conference – Austin TX May 2003

Milam County Historical Commission 2002 Accomplishments:

Certified Local Government (CLG) received approval in Oct. 2002 at the County Level. Historical Markers:

Recorded Historical Texas Landmark

R. F. & Minta Pool and B. J. and Sue Dollar Baskin homes. These are approved, but not dedicated.

THC Site/Subject Marker

- O. J. Thomas School – Cameron approved not dedicated.

La Recluta- La Escuelita School approved not dedicated.

Rockdale, Old City Hall submitted

Springfield Baptist Hall being written

Texas Historic Cemeteries

Hope Lutheran Memorial Park, dedicated

Friendship Cemetery, dedicated

Rockdale Jewish Cemetery application underway

Bridges – Outgoing MCHC members, Owen Rachel Graves and Charles Hubert are completing

Documentation on Historic Bridges in Milam County. (This report should be finished in the first quarter 2003.)

Communication: Milam County Website, www.milamcounty.org is being visited to the tune of 250 "hits" as reported by site manager George Bowman. "Bits of Milam County History is carried weekly on KMIL and KRXT.

Mike Brown (Rockdale Reporter) writes a weekly Rockdale Area History column. The Cameron Herald printed two special publications during 2002: "Crossroads, A Visitors Guide to Milam County", and Milam County Courthouse. The POP Committee of MCHC compiled and published "Facts & Stories about the Milam County Courthouse and Its People.

Rural Preservation: An application for a Texas Agriculture Commission Family Land Heritage Farm was researched and submitted for Christopher Worley Family.

Tourism: Cameron CofC and Tourism Group, & Rockdale CofC worked on the Brazos Trailblazers application for the Brazos Trail. THC announced the Brazos Trail in August 2002. Cameron hosted an organizational meeting in October. Directors for the Brazos Trail were elected in November that included three people from our county: Denice Doss- Rockdale, Rosalind Brinkley- Cameron and Joy Graham- Thorndale. The next meeting will be held at Old Fort Parker (Grosbeck) January 16, 2002.

Education: Betty French and Joy Graham attended the 2002 Annual THC Conference held in Abilene.

Thirteen Milam County people attended a workshop in November 2002 for the Milam County Survey to be used by the Brazos Trail. The Planning Committee of the City of Rockdale met three times to learn of Certified Local Government opportunities. Bratten Thomason met with them on one occasion. Cameron Historical Commission has met with Bratten during 2002 to investigate the opportunities for Cameron.

Milam County Historical Commission received the Distinguished Service Award from THC at the 2001 Annual Conference in Abilene.

Milam County Historical Commission and the POP Committee planned and hosted the Milam County Courthouse Rededication July 4, 2002.

Thanks to all MCHC and POP members for all the hard work during 2002.!!

---------------------------------------------------------------2003-04 Milam County Historical Commission Members are: Cameron: Dolores Mode, Rosalind Brinkley, Mary Ann Eanes, Willyne Stanislaw, Gause: Darlene Anglin, Milano: James David Walker, Buckholts: Venetia Beckhusen, Betsy Davis, Rockdale: Jerry Caywood, Lucile Estell, Joan Ratliff, Helen Perry, Dr. Fannie Spain and Jackie Thornton, and Thorndale: Mara McDowell and Joy Graham

MILAM COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION NEWSLETTER Vol 9 Page 2

BRAZOS TRAIL meeting will be held at "Old Fort Parker" on January 16, 2002. If you need additional details: contact Denice Doss at the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible. This meeting will be important as Committees from the 18 counties in the Trail will be announced as well as hopefully the location for the Brazos Trail Regional Coordinator. Milam County did apply to house the Regional Coordinator in Cameron.

‘Horned Toad" essay contest has been announced by Texas Parks & Wildlife.

This contest is held annually and information will be distributed to all schools in Milam County at the Elementary, Jr. High and High Schools. This is a wonderful opportunity to get school age children interested in the History of Texas. Milam County once housed many of these "little critters". There are many people who remember seeing these toads in great number back in the 1940 and 1950s.

Milam County Certified Local Government

The rural area of Milam County has been recognized as a Certified Local Government. As soon as information is received from the National Parks Service the first meeting of the appointed committee will meet: George Bowman, Jerry Caywood, Joy Graham, Harlin Hillard, Charles Hubert, Dale Jaecks, Carole Simank and Willyne Stanislaw.

Milam County Historical Commission meets Monday January 13, 2002 at the Milam County Courthouse. This is a very important meeting.

The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the office on the right side of the north entrance. The agenda will be posted on January 9th at the courthouse. Agendas will be mailed (US Postal) and emailed to those with email on January 6, 2003.

 

Lakes/Brazos Regional Meeting.

The Texas Historical Commission has divided Texas into Regions to make it easier to bring information and training in Historical Preservation and Tourism.

This annual meeting for the Lakes/Brazos Region will be held in Denton, TX. on February 28, 2003.

The session will begin at 8:30 a.m. and should end by 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Denton is a Main Street City as well as having one of the older courthouses that has received a THC Restoration Grant. These Regional meetings are open to Historical Commissions, Tourism Groups, City Council and Economic Development people.

 

Texas Historical Commission Annual 2002 Conference - May 15-17 - Austin

Each year the Texas Historical Commission, along with other state historical groups, sponsors an annual meeting. Austin Capitol Marriott, 701 E. 11th St. For more information: call 512/463-6255. The conference alternates yearly between Austin and another Texas location to reach as many preservationists as possible.

Note from MCHC Chair:

What an eventful year! All the accomplishments came about due to the energy and interest of "People working together". The courthouse will be a legacy for years to come.

2003 has many opportunities in store for the entire county. Here’s to preserving our history for future generations.

Joy Graham, Chair

MCHC Newsletter distributed: MCHC, County officials, Cameron Historical Group, Rockdale CofC,Cameron CofC, Rockdale, Cahmeron City Managers THC – Austin, Tx. To obtain a copy contact Joy Graham 512-446-5563 or email: joyg@milamcounty.org.

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER

Volume No. 5

Date December 31, 2001

Milam County Historical Commission

To all the people of Milam County,

Thanks for all the interest and work this year in many areas of preservation within our county .The final report for 2001 is in this edition of the newsletter. It's so exciting that many citizens in our county are interested in preserving places, sites, bridges, documents and getting -others interested in Milam County's history. This year has gone by very fast. The year 2002 will mark another historical event for us as we rededicate the Milam County Court house on July 4, 2002. The building that is being restored had it's cornerstone placed on the site on July 4, 1891- 111 years ago. The courthouse was completed and moved into in 1892 and that's 110 years ago. It's my hope that everyone can make plans to participate in this historical event in July, especially the youth of this area.

The Historical Commission will be meeting January 14th at !he Blake Building in Cameron at 3:15 p.m. to begin Planning for 2002. These meetings are open to the public.

Thanks again for all the help from the community ,. making 2001 such an eventful year.

Joy Graham

RESULTS OF 2001 PLANS BY MCHC

Organization Committee completed the following:

  • Revised and approved MCHC Bylaws
  • Named committees and plans for 2001
  • Set Long Range Goals thru 2006
  • Submitted MCHC work to Texas Historical Commission before Jan. 20, 2002

Publications Committee completed:

  • Milam County Website on line in February
  • Published 5 Newsletters Jan, Apr, Jun, Sept, Dec
  • Four MCHC members attended THC Annual Conference
  • Twelve attended Regional Workshop in Grandbury
  • Fourteen participated in a Marker/Survey Workshop
  • Radio Weekly "Bit of Milam County History KMIL & KRXT weekly -Thursdays mornings

Rural Preservation Committee completed:

  • Organized a Meeting with MCHC and Friendship Preservation Society in an effort to Save their
    School.
  • Completed an application for Ella Caywood to Texas Agriculture Dept for a Heritage Award. Ms. Caywood was notified she will receive this award Mar .15, in Austin.

Certified Local Government Committee: an application to Texas Historical Commission was submitted on September 10, 200 I and no word has been received as yet of Milam County Historical Commission' s acceptance.

Markers:

Markers were dedicated for:

New Providence Primitive Baptist Church

Railroads in Rockdale

Mundine Hotel, Rockdale

Markers were erected in the Sharp Area at the Urban, Sharp Cemeteries and in Lilac for the Lilac Cemetery

The damaged Marker at Lilac was replaced

A Historic Cemetery Marker was dedicated at North Elm. Historic Markers have been approved for
Friendship United Methodist Cemetery and in Buckholts for Hope Lutheran Cemetery.

Markers were submitted but have not been approved for: Friendship School and La Esculetia-La Recluta Settlement east of Rockdale.

POP Committee: has raised $219,086.23 to date with pledges still to be collected totaling $223,000.00 The Courthouse Rededication is set for July 4, tours beginning at 3:00 p.m. and the Ceremony at 6:00p.m.

Watch the newspapers in the County for more details.

Other areas or work by the commission during 2001:

Worked with TxDOT in researching historical significance in areas where Cell Phone Towers are being erected.

Worked with TxDOT along the Highway 36, and 79 in the Milano and Cameron Area.

Discussions with Cameron and Rockdale Chambers of Commerce regarding Building Tourism and publishing maps to draw tourists to our county. This will be carried into 2002 MCHC Planning.

Texas Parks. Wildlife's Essay Contest "Hometown Honed Toads"

The contest is for schoolchildren in grades 3-12. Schools should have information on this contest; however if known a child who would like to enter, contact: Lee Ann Linam at 512/847-9489 or email: lalinam@wimberley-tx.corn

Texas Historical Commission Annual Conference Abilene, Texas Apri118-20 at Abilene's Embassy Suites Hotel.

This year's theme is "Frontier Folklore: Preserving the Lone Star Legacy. More information will be available in February, 2002.

Rising Costs Increase Price of THC Markers:

Austin, Texas- Due to rising costs at the supply and manufacturing levels, the price of a historical marker increases Dec. 1,2001. The Texas Historical Commission has made every effort to ensure prices remain reasonable in support of local preservation efforts. Marker applications already being processed will not be affected. For more information contact THC's History Division at 512/463-5853 or your local county historical commission.

------------------------------------------------------------

Third Round of Courthouse Grants to be announced in January 2002.

This is the third year that Texas Historical Commission will be awarding grants to qualifying courthouses within the state. Announcements on winners of these grants will be in January 2002.

Bushdale Community Marker Damaged AGAIN!

Thanks to a good neighbor, we are working to get this marker replaced. This will be the third marker for this location. A good neighbor has been fortunate to see both markers damaged and has helped the Bushdale Cemetery Association work to get the marker(s) replaced. You have heard of Neighborhood Watch, well, it does exist by this Cemetery and Marker Location. The Cemetery Association just wishes the Neighbor had lived in this location in 1974 when the Historical Statue on Herman Henniger's grave was demolished. The Cemetery Association hopes someday to replace the statue.

Bits of Milam County History

Thanks to our county Radio Stations: KMIL - Cameron and KRXT - Rockdale Bits of Milam County History is alive and up and running. Ever wonder where this information comes from? You'd be surprised what you can find on the Internet and what you can read in history books.

Tune in on Thursday mornings KRXT runs it at 7:45 a.m. and I'm not quite sure the time on KMIL but I believe it's on Thursday also.

Genealogy People 170 years of Cemetery Records  in Milam County:

If you haven't secured Norrine Holman' s editions on Cemeteries in Milam County,
 these books are invaluable. If you are interested in buying the editions, the Milam County Genealogical Society is selling them for her.

MCHC Newsletter is published quarterly.

Distribution: MCHC members, County Commissioners, Rockdale Reporter, Cameron Herald, Rockdale Historical Society, Friendship Preservation Society, Cameron Historical Society. You can also find it on the Milam County Website:

www.milamcounty.org

Joy Graham, Milam County Historical Commission Chair.

 

 

NEWSLETTER

Volume No. 3

Date September 17, 2001

Milam County Historical Commission

The Milam County Historical Committee met August 13th in Rockdale at the Citizens National Bank Meeting Rooms. Copies of the approved revised Bylaws were distributed. Willyne Stanislaw, of Cameron, was appointed by the Commissioners Courts to MCHC for the remainder of 2001-2002. Ten members and one visitor were present.

Organization Committee: All the work associated with meeting Texas Historical Commission requirements were completed with the exception of a final summary of the 2001 report that is due Dec. 31.

Publications Committee: Newsletters are being mailed quarterly. The Milam County Website, www.MilamCounty.org, is an Internet Asset for anyone interested in seeking information about Milam County and Historical Preservation. Thanks again to George Bowman of Channelconsultants.net.

Rural Preservation: Two Texas Agriculture Department for the Family Land Heritage Program are being completed and will be mailed by September 30, 2001. Ella Caywood and Carole Simank are submitting applications through MCHC.

Certified Local Government: Judge Frank Summers signed the application for Milam County CLG and the application was mailed to THC on September 15th. Milam County is awaiting approval prior to convening the proposed CLG County Committee: George Bowman-Sharp, Jerry Caywood-Rockdale, Harlin Hillard-Friendship, Charles Hubert-Milano, Dale Jaecks-Rockdale,Carole Simank-San Garbriel, Willyne Stanislaw-Cameron and Joy Graham-Thorndale. This committee will work use THC guidelines to organize and promote historical preservation in the rural areas of the county.

Markers are being submitted, approved and dedication ceremonies are being held throughout the county. Lilac Marker that was missing in the spring of this year has been replaced due to the work of Owen Rachel Graves. Three cemetery markers were sought by Sharp Preservation Society and all three have been approved: Lilac, Sharp and Urban. North Elm Cemetery received and dedicated a Historic Texas Cemetery Marker on Sept. 8th. Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery has been notified their cemetery was approved for a Historic Texas Marker. New Providence Primitive Baptist Church will dedicate a Site Marker on October 13, 2001 at their Church (FM 485 at FM 979) at 10:00 a.m. Mark your calendars to attend this ceremony. Rockdale has two markers approved and should be arriving within the next month: Railroad in Rockdale and Site of Mundine Hotel.

POP Committee is busy working on Courthouse Fundraising and Rededication Plans. Mark you calendar for July 4th, 2002. The courthouse will be open for tours prior to the Dedication Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. City and Chamber leaders will be invited to attend a planning session on October 8, a day long celebration for Milam County.

Milam Courthouse Christmas Ornaments are here. Plan to purchase one for your tree this year and years to come.

Are you interested in knowing more about Texas Historical Markers?

Mark your calendar for Nov.12th. 2:00 p.m. Dan Utley and LeAnna Biles of Texas Historic Commission will be in Rockdale at Citizens National Bank Meeting Room educating all interested in the types of markers and THC requirements. LeAnna will discuss types of surveys to keep track of historical buildings and sites.

Are you interested in learning more about Historical preservation and a trip to Grandbury? (FREE)

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Lakes/Brazos Region will hold a workshop in Grandbury, Texas on October 12th beginning at 9:am. Topics include: Protecting Rural Heritage, Saving Historic Downtowns, Understanding Building Codes & Accessibility and Identifying Historic Resourses. Transportation is being provided for the trip to Grandbury. We have room for 20 attendees.The Workshop is FREE, your only cost will be lunch provided during the workshop at a cost to you of only $10. This is a good opportunity to learn about Historic Preservation. The bus will have two stops - leave Rockdale at 5:30 a.m. and pickup in Cameron at 6:00 a.m. We expect to return to Cameron and Rockdale 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. respectively. Call Joy Graham 512-446-5563 or Denise Doss 512-446-2030.

Cameron is actively working to organize a Cameron Historical Society. Meetings were held in July and August to determine interest and they are now meeting to elect officers and begin work. Cameron has much interest in their city with Mr. McLane working to restore the building on the square for a new City Hall and Mrs. Brinkley is restoring the Dally Young historic home across the street from the Blake Building. The Bill Angels own the building behind the Post Office that is the second oldest school building in Texas. Preliminary work to find ways to restore and preserve this building are underway.

PROPOSITION 13

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize the board of trustees of an independent school district to donate certain surplus property of historical significance in order to preserve the property.

This fall voters in Texas will be asked to vote on Proposition 13. Voters will be asked to approve a change to the education code, which would allow school districts to donate surplus property to a governmental agency or a non-profit organization for historic preservation. Proposition 13 and the change to the code is the only way that these properties will remain in the public domain and preserved for future generations.

Watch you local newspapers for more detail:

Milam County Historical Commission Newsletter is published quarterly to communicate historic preservation work throughout the county.

For more information visit:

www.MilamCounty.org

Copies are distributed to MCHC membership, County Commissioners, County Judge, Presidents of Rockdale Historical Society, Milam County Genealogy Society, Sharp Preservation, Friendship Preservation, and Texas Historical Commission

Submitted by: Joy Graham- Chair, Milam County Historical Commission

NEWSLETTER

Volume No. 2

Date June 12, 2001

      Milam County Historical Commission

General: MCHC met April 9, 2001 at the Blake Building in Cameron at 3:30 p.m. Committee Reports were given in the areas of work for 2000. A "Called Meeting" of the Commission was held March 3, at the Friendship Methodist Church Annex to discuss the importance of the school and review the status of the school. Friendship Preservation Society is working with Judge Summers to determine the fate of the building. A "Called Meeting" was held on June 10,2001 to approve the revised by-laws and hear the status of committee work.

Organization: MCHC Bylaws have been approved by the Commission and now will be given to the Commissioners' Court for approval.

Rural Preservation: Two farms are applying for the Texas Agriculture Department Heritage Farm/Ranch Recognition for this year. These applications are due on September 1,2001. (If anyone in Milam County has owned a farm or ranch of 10 acres or more for 100 years and wishes to apply for this recognition, they can contact Owen Rachel Graves or Joy Graham for more information about the application.

Publications: Milam County Texas now has a website thanks to Betsy Davis. George Bowman developed the site. http://www.milamcounty.org. We owe a BIG THANK YOU to George for all his work.

The Cameron Herald and Rockdale Reporter carry articles of historical interest -watch these newspapers for announcements of dedication ceremonies, updates on the Courthouse Project and special interests of historical significance.

Markers: Urban Cemetery, New Providence Primitive Baptist Church, Mundine Hotel, North Elm Cemetery, and Impact of Three Railroads in Rockdale, TX, are in progress within the county. North Elm will have its dedication ceremony in September --watch the news media for the date. Lynna Kay Shuffield is working on a Texas Historic Cemetery Marker for the Rockdale Jewish Cemetery.

Certified Local Government: The first requirement of updating MCHC bylaws was completed June 11. . Deadline for completing this work is August 30, 2001. This work is for Milam County Certification. MCHC is also working the Rockdale Historical Society to apply for the CLG with the Texas Historical Commission.

POP Courthouse Committee: This committee is busy working to meet the $614,974 funding shortfall. From April 31 to May 14,2001, seventeen supporters pledged $362,000. "Walk Through History" Granite Stones are still being sold. The quilt raffle continues with only 1,000 tickets to be sold.

Work began in full swing on the courthouse the week of June 4th. With construction underway, access is being limited to work crews.

Texas Historical Commission NEWS

The annual THC Historic Preservation Conference was held April 19-21 st in Austin. "Hometown Preservation- from Grassroots to Great Visions" was the theme. Milam County Historical Commission received the state's Distinguished Service Award for their work in helping to preserve county history .This award recognizes the work completed in 2000 by the MCHC. Bonnie Belle Holder, Past Chairman (14 years) received the award for the county. Betty French, Lois Railey, Delores Mode, Troy Mode and Joy Graham attended the conference.

The New TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM opened officially on Apri121, 2001, coinciding with the 165th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. The Grand Opening was held on Apri128. For more information, visit the museum web site at www.thestoryoftexas.com or call 512/936-8746

Four historic flags are flying high once again after their preservation two years ago through the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. One was sewn by a general's daughter, another carried by Mexican troops when the Alamo was stormed. All can be viewed on the second floor of the Museum in exhibits depicting the era in which they originally were flown or carried.

New group supports state libraries and archives - The State Library has a new friend -several, actually The Texas State Library and Archives Commission recognizes the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas as an official "friend" of the State Library.

The non-profit organization supports the Texas State Library by helping connect library, history and museum communities across Texas and the US in addition to fundraising for special needs.

For more information about the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas, call 512/463-5514.

Texas Historical Commission divides state into six regions to better service each county historical commission. Milam is in Lakes /Brazos. THC has assigned personnel to better assist counties.

Save Texas Cemeteries, Inc. (512) 257-SAVE

Save Texas Cemeteries was organized in November 1994 as a statewide, nonprofit, 501 c (3) educational corporation to help save all cemeteries in the State of Texas from destruction.

GOALS:

  • Get access to all cemeteries
  • Locate & identify every cemetery & burial sites in Texas
  • Establishing a computer database of ~II cemeteries & burial sites
  • Publish a newsletter to keep members better informed
  • Establish a telephone hotline to call and report problems
  • Help to stop destruction & neglect
  • Appoint a Save Texas Cemeteries chairperson in every Texas County
  • Keep abreast of taxation, legislation, deeds, & survey regulations concerning cemeteries.
  • Set aside the first Sundays in April & October as officially recognized cemetery visitation days
  • Help organize cemetery association

MISSION STATEMENT:

Save Texas Cemeteries seeks to promote the preservation of historic cemeteries and burial ground throughout Texas by public education and historic research in order to preserve its rich, multicultural heritage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Karen Thompson
(512) 257-7283
(512) 258-5688
FAX (512) 258- 7116

SAVE TEXAS CEMETERIES
P. 0. BOX 202975
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78720-2975

MCHC Newsletter is published by the Commission to communicate historical information. Distribution: Commission Members, Commissioners Court, Rockdale Historical Society Pres., Sharp Preservation Society, Friendship Preservation Society, Cameron Herald, Rockdale Reporter, Cameron and Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. Joy Graham, 10958 CR 440 Thorndale, TX., (512) 446-5563 email: mjoygaham@hotmail.com.

NEWSLETTER

Volume No. 1

January 30, 2001

Milam County Historical Commission

Milam County Historical Commission (MCHC) met for the first meeting of the 2001 year on Jan. 8th. Members of the commission to serve two year terms (2001-2002) include:

Cameron
Dolores Mode
Bonnie Belle Holder
Betty French
Lois Railey
Phyllis Gottlieb
Jack Tumlinson*
Buckholts
Venetia Beckhausen
Thorndale
Joy Graham
Rockdale
Lucile Estell
Joan Ratliff
Helen Perry
Milano
Charles Hubert
Claydene Turner
Gause
Darlene Anglin
Sharp
Owen Rachel Graves
Betsy Davis
*Associate Member

MCHC will work toward achieving the Texas Historical Commissions' Distinguished Service Award. The four areas of work include:

Organization
Joy Graham*
Lucile Estell
Betty French
Joan Ratliff

Certified Local
Government
Joy Graham*
Charles Hubert
Venetia Beckhausen
Lucile Estell
Lois Railey		 Publications
Delores Mode*
Bonnie Belle Holder
Betsy Davis
Phyllis Gottlieb

Rural Preservation
Owen Rachel Graves*
Helen Perry
Darlene Anglin
Claydene Turner
Mrs. Weldon Bailey
* Committee Chairman

Each committee will work on their assigned areas throughout the year 2001.

MCHC will meet every three (3) months, the next meeting to be held on April 9, 2001 at 3:30 p.m. in Cameron, at the Blake Building.

P O P Committee

The Preserve Our Past Committee continues to work on the Milam County Courthouse renovation fundraising projects. Granite Stones are being sold for the "Walk through History" sidewalk. A Courthouse quilt is in progress. The quilt will be raffled at the dedication ceremony in 2002. A limited amount of tickets will be sold.

The Texas Historical Commission and Kim Williams, architect, have reported the "Walk through History" sidewalk will be located on the existing walk that runs between the Courthouse and the Cameron Mall. This location will not interfere with the Courthouse grounds proper.

The courthouse area is fenced to allow construction crews to perform work safely. Persons entering the work area must have the approval of the construction project manager.

The POP Committee meeting will be held Feb.11th at 1:00 p.m. at the Blake Building. The agenda for this meeting will be to begin Planning the Dedication Ceremony for 2002.

News from…………….. The Texas Historical Commission

Milam County is now a part of one of the six regions within the structure of Texas Historic Commission. This regional direction provides the mechanism for receiving input from local preservation groups and will allow a much stronger regional communication.

THC Sponsors Application Workshops

Three (3) workshops are scheduled for Feb. 20, 2001 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Austin, Tex. They are: The Main Street Program, Certified Local Government and the Texas Heritage Trails Program. If you are interested in attending contact THC Community Heritage Development (512) 463-6092.

The Medallion, a THC publication (bimonthly) covers Texas Historical Commission information on programs sponsored through the Commission. The magazine features historical articles and updates from projects sponsored by the commission. If you are interested in subscribing contact THC at (512)463-6255 or www.thc.state.tx.us

Mark your Calendars!
 The Texas Historical Commission's Annual Conference will be in Austin, April 19-21, 2001.

This is the first edition of the Milam County Historical Commission Newsletter. Copies will be mailed to MCHC and POP members. Copies will be distributed to the Milam County Commissioners Court, Milam County Museum, Rockdale Historical Society President. Sharp Preservation Society, Friendship Preservation Society, Milam County Genealogy Society and any group Interested in Milam County History.

MCHC Newsletters will be published January, April,July and December of 2001.

Submitted by Joy Graham, MCHC Chairman