TITLE: Commemorating the 100th anniversary observance of the founding of Poteet.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 100th anniversary observance of the founding of Poteet.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Poteet are coming together on April 9, 2011, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of their community; and WHEREAS, This area of the South Texas plains was first settled in the 1880s, when Francis Marion Poteet established a blacksmith shop and post office near the current site of the town; by 1892, the community had acquired a cotton gin, a gristmill, and a wagon maker; and WHEREAS, In 1896, Henry T. Mumme arrived and opened a general store, taking over for Mr. Poteet as postmaster; Mr. Mumme found artesian wells in the area in 1904, and the discovery of a ready source of water made the region more attractive for farmers; and WHEREAS, In 1910, Mr. Mumme and his wife, Ida, donated land for a railway line and land for a townsite near the railroad, three miles from the original settlement; in 1911, Mr. Mumme moved his store to that location, and the town of Poteet was born; and WHEREAS, During that period, Mr. Mumme began to grow strawberries, which soon became the town's signature crop; other farmers started to grow peanuts, onions, and watermelons, and the town became a commercial center for agriculture in the area; and WHEREAS, Today, Poteet is regarded by many as "The Strawberry Capital of Texas," producing 40 percent of the state's strawberries, which are renowned for their superior quality; ranching and the farming of peanuts, hay, and forage grains also continue to be important to the town's economy; and WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike delight in the Strawberry Festival held each April; one of the largest agricultural festivals in the state, the celebration features a strawberry competition, a food show, a parade, fireworks, and performances by country music and Tejano stars; other popular attractions include the seven-foot-tall, 1,600 pound concrete strawberry outside the Poteet Volunteer Fire Department and the mosaic of Poteet Canyon, a character from the Steve Canyon comic strip who was named after the town; and WHEREAS, Celebrating their colorful past as they work to build a bright future, the citizens of Poteet may indeed take great pride in their community on this special day; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Poteet and extend to the town's officials, residents, and guests sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful celebration. Aliseda Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 696 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House