Cameron County Historical Commission

The bimonthly meeting of the CCHC was held Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the La Feria Public Library, La Feria, TX starting at 2:05 p.m. with 13 members present. Larry Lof, Chairman called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes -- Chairman Lof noted that the minutes of the December 16, 2007 meeting had been mailed to some members, e-mailed to other members, and also posted on the CCHC website. Several copied were then distributed to members requesting them. There being no corrections or additions, on a motion by Peter Goodman, seconded by Jose Gavito, the minutes were approved as distributed.

Report from the Chair -- Larry Lof noted that Ed Meza had resigned as treasurer and that he had appointed Jose Gavito to assume that position. He related that the first donation ($15) for the Santa Maria Church restoration had been received. There then followed a discussion on the establishment of a bank account to handle such charitable donations. Efforts to-date to find out whether the CCHC has a 501 C 3 status are yet unproductive, but a search for information will continue. In the meantime Gavito will set up an account with the Texas State Bank.

Lof emphasized that all CCHC members need to make a concentrated effort to secure new members for the commission in that attrition was taking its toll. He also pointed that that the commission would especially welcome younger members.

He commended the San Benito people for the well-organized ceremonies for the First Methodist Church marker dedication. A call for more marker application was then made. Peter Goodman suggested that the University of Texas at Brownsville be contacted to investigate markers for some of its historic buildings, some of which could even be subject markers because of significant events occurring in them. The Neutra House and the Commander's House were two other prospective marker candidate. Norman Rozeff brought up the possibility of obtaining a subject marker for the Judge Reynaldo Garza House.

Brownsville has a 100% tax abatement for houses having historical markers. If other county cities and towns followed suit it would encourage the securing of markers.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Gavito had no financial report but did touch on other subjects. He told of the improved communications with the county finance department in an effort to effect quicker payments for CCHC reimbursements. Turning in vouchers to a commissioner may be one avenue. He asked Mary Hardy to provide additional documentation for her art contest expenses. It was noted that mileage reimbursements had been reset at 50 cents per mile. The subject of the annual $100 payment to the Texas Tropical Trails arose. No billing for this has been received to-date.

Museums/Oral History – Mary Hardy spoke of the opening of the new museum in San Benito. It is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. In March it will feature an exhibition of religious customs in San Benito.

Mary Torres reviewed the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum's current exhibit of three local ceramic and sculptor artists. In April the museum will feature an exhibit of kites and was soliciting kites for display. She noted that the Harlingen Historical Preservation Society will feature a display of the Harlingen Army Air Field, Gunnery School, and Harlingen Air Force Base at Rio Fest in April.

Kirk Clark, a Brownsville artist will have a show at the Old Cemetery Center Museum.

The Brownsville Historical Association was honored with a $5,000 grant. Lof and director Priscilla Rodriguez went to Austin and were recognized in the Old Senate Chambers by dignitaries including Governor Perry. A local re-do of the honors will be in Brownsville on March 8.

An upcoming exhibit at the Brownsville Heritage complex will feature Mexican Cinema.

Cemeteries – P. G. Cavazos told of his current work on history of a San Pedro cemetery. He then spoke of the location problems for the recently approved historical marker. Border security and levee issues will likely have to have the marker along HWY 281.

Cavazos then inquired about the $1,500 payment for the marker. At present the CCHC has been having the applicants pay any markers obtained with their efforts. This has been the policy for several years now. Cavazos then pointed out that this marker was for a public place and should be an exception. Pete Castillo of Rio Hondo indicated that he would face a similar dilemma upon obtaining a marker for the Arroyo Colorado Lift Bridge. Lof and Gavito stated that they would look into the possibility of the county paying for such public space markers.

Cavazos also noted that together with Lucia Weaver he had visited the old Weaver Family Cemetery near Blue Town. This difficult to access site might warrant a marker if work is done on its history.

Peter Goodman spoke of the current efforts to get the Old Brownsville Cemetery into the National Register. This would also include the Jewish Cemetery on consecrated ground. In April, the National Register people will hold a public hearing in Brownsville. Ms. Bratton of the THC, and who has visited the area, is now dealing with National Register matters for the THC and apparently favors the cemetery's registry. A document outlining the cemetery's history has been prepared and will be reviewed for accuracy.

Roads – P. G. Cavazos revealed his efforts to return the correct name Carmin Avenue to the current and incorrect nomenclature of Carmen Blvd.

Restorations – Jose Gavito reported that Tom Sweeney had purchased a commercial building between Elizabeth and Washington Street, Brownsville. Upon some renovations it was discovered that this was a very old and historic structure. Likely constructed in the 1860s it was used as a military prison and later as a store by the Yturria family. Secondly the Lopez Store, at 8^th and Washington in the same city, and pretty much abandoned for 30 years, is being brought back to life by SSP Designs.

Mary Hardy noted that the 1911 Old Irrigation District Office in San Benito has been repaired and converted onto office rental space by the Vega family. It had a grand opening recently.

Website/Newsletter –Clint Thomas asked that the Art-History Contest rules information be finalized so he could post it on the CCHC website. He also informed the members that the county expense form was available on the site.

History Markers –- Committee Chairman Rozeff advised that approval had been received for three markers. These were for the cemetery near San Pedro, and two historic houses in Brownsville. Rozeff elicited that the narratives accompanying these marker submissions constituted valuable history in themselves. Lof was then asked to tell something about the Hicks-Lawrence House history, and Rozeff briefly spoke of the McNair House.

History-Art Contest – Attractive two-sided posters made up by Mark Clark were distributed to members to get out into the community to publicize the Art-History Contest. Unfortunately all needed information is not on one side of the poster, so both sides will need be displayed. The expansion of allowable contestants should bring greater participation, so indicated Mary Hardy. She stated that she will forward the re-written rules to Mr. Thomas. March 31 is the deadline for entries.

Chairman Lof gave an update on the Santa Maria Church situation. Hopefully roof repairs will commence next month. He reported that artist Don Breden has offered to create a poster that could be sold to raise funds for the church's restoration. It might be possible through fund-raising efforts to supplement the $50,000 grant now available by another $10,000. A dedicated account to receive donations is being established. One unfortunate aspect is that the county and the diocese are at odds concerning the area surrounding the church. The county lease has expired, and matters are in limbo.

Goodman told of the slow progress involved in closing the purchase of the Laiseca Building.

Mary Torres spoke briefly of the February 19 Texas Tropical Trails meeting to be held in Weslaco and the launching of the Texas Tropical Trails Brochure in Laredo in March.

It was brought up that correspondence from the THC was being sent to a former chairman and that an address correction was in order.

The next meeting will be in Harlingen, Sunday, April 13, 2008.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman Rozeff

Secretary

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