TITLE: Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, In 2016, the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association is marking the 75th anniversary of its founding; and WHEREAS, MSCA was established on March 25, 1941, by Dr. Jesse B. Heath, who served as its inaugural president; the organization's name was conceived from an article published earlier that year by Madisonville Meteor editor Henry Fox, teasing local residents whom he dubbed "sidewalk cattlemen" because they wore cowboy boots but owned no cattle; the association soon adopted so-called boot regulations, which stated all boot wearers within the city limits must possess at least two head of cattle or else be dunked in the horse trough on the courthouse lawn; that proud town tradition continues to this day; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, MSCA has expanded its scope to benefit youth across Madison County, and it has hosted numerous fund-raising events, including steak dinners, trail rides, parades, queen's contests, stick-horse races, calf scrambles, barbecue cook-offs, rodeos, and dances; to date, the organization has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to area high school students; and WHEREAS, Though it began as a tongue-in-cheek rejoinder to the local "all boot, no cattle" crowd, the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association has long been a significant force for good in its community, and it is a pleasure to join in recognizing this exemplary organization on this special milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association and extend to all those involved with the organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Ashby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 44 was adopted by the House on February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House