TITLE: Commemorating the 128th Doans May Day Picnic on May 7, 2011.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 128th Doans May Day Picnic on May 7, 2011.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On May 7, 2011, current and former residents of the Doans community in Wilbarger County are gathering for the 128th annual Doans May Day Picnic in Vernon; and WHEREAS, Considered the oldest ongoing historical celebration in Texas, the event traces its history back to a simple picnic on May 1, 1884, which was enjoyed by a half-dozen people in a grove of trees near the Red River; and WHEREAS, Starting a tradition that continues today, a queen was crowned at the 1911 festivities, which included carnivals, rodeos, airplane rides, barbecues, storytelling by early settlers, and political speeches; stores closed so that employees could attend, and later it became a two-day affair with Sunday morning services; more than a century later, the highlight of this event remains the coronation of a king and queen, and selected for this honor in 2011 are King Dax Kieschnick, from the House of Kieschnick, and Queen Madison Turman, from the House of Turman; and WHEREAS, The first settlers in Wilbarger County were members of the Doan family who arrived in 1878 and established a trading post known as Doan's Store at a Red River crossing on the Great Western Trail; the original adobe building, owned by Corwin Doan, was renovated by the Wilbarger Historical Commission and is the oldest structure in the county; and WHEREAS, Nicknamed "the jumping off place" by trail drivers, Doan's Crossing thrived as the last chance to buy supplies before travelers entered Indian territory; the modest settlement grew to include supply stores, a post office, a two-story hotel, a saloon, a drug store, a wagon yard, a blacksmith, a restaurant, a school, a chapel, and several homes; and WHEREAS, Jonathan and Corwin Doan and their families were Quakers who enhanced community relations by befriending local Indians, learning their language, and establishing lifelong friendships; Corwin Doan was appointed Indian agent and hosted visits by Quanah Parker and other famous chiefs and their tribes; and WHEREAS, The Indians would trade only with the Doan family, who also counted among their regular customers the trail drivers who herded six million cattle past the trading post during the last two decades of the 19th century; in 1931, a granite monument was placed near Doan's Store in honor of those courageous trail drivers; and WHEREAS, The people of Doans take justifiable pride in their community and the immeasurable contributions its citizens have made to the rich history and culture of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed fitting that they be acknowledged at this time; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 128th Doans May Day Picnic and extend to all celebrants best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event. Hardcastle Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1456 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House