Atascosa County Historical Commission Recognized

The Atascosa County Historical Commission was honored in Commissioner's Court on April 26 during their regular meeting. County Judge Diana Bautista presented the Distinguished Service Award to Chairman Norman Porter, Sr. The award was created by the Texas Historical Commission to recognize County Historical Commissions for outstanding achievement in historical preservation and is given yearly. Eighty-three of the 254 Texas counties received the award this year.

The ACHC dedicated six new historical markers in 2009 as well as holding a ceremony to rededicate the newly restored Russell Cemetery. The new markers are for the city of Jourdanton, Ralph Roy "Railroad" Smith, Jourdanton United Methodist Church, Jourdanton City Cemetery, St.John Evangelical Lutheran Church and Martin Abstract, Company. The dedication for Jourdanton's City Cemetery included Middle School Students from the Science and History Club, in period clothing, portraying pioneer's buried there. The students wrote their dialogs based on the history of the citizen they represented. They were brilliant. The activities were in celebration of Jourdanton's Centennial Anniversary.

Another event recognized by the THC was a Photo and Oral History clinic held in January. This was a cooperative effort between the Jourdanton and Pleasanton Public Libraries, the ACHC and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Citizens from all over the county brought old photos of people, buildings and scenes to be scanned by the Institute of Texan Cultures to use in displays. Five hundred forty vintage photos were scanned and negatives were made. In addition, eleven oral histories were recorded.

Another important event for the ACHC was it's hosting of a great symposium on the Battle of Medina, put on by the Alamo Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Speakers were Al McGraw, Archaeologist for TxDot, Historian Richard Santos, Author Robert Thonhoff and others, who presented the latest research on the bloodiest battle in Texas history and the first Republic of Texas.

This was the third year in a row the ACHC has received the honor.