Cameron County Historical Commission
Rio Hondo, Texas, April 27, 2008

The bimonthly meeting of the CCHC was held Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Rio Hondo City Hall, Rio Hondo, TX starting at 2:19 p.m. with nine members present. Larry Lof, Chairman called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He then introduced Steve Hathcock of South Padre Island.

Approval of Minutes -- Chairman Lof noted that the minutes of the February 17, 2008 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 Mary Hardy, seconded by Lucia Weaver, the minutes were approved as distributed.

Report from the Chair -- Once again 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 reflected that some long-time older and infirm Commission members would best be served and recognized by elevating them to emeritus status.

He then related that Peter Goodman had touched bases with Cameron County administrators on the subject of footing the costs for THC markers that might commemorate general public places. The county was said to be adverse to expending funds for such a purpose even if history and tourism was well-served by such an action. At present businesses and private individuals seeking house markers cover the expenses involved. While Hidalgo County covers all THC marker costs, Cameron County may be too strict in its interpretation of funding guidelines. It was agreed that the CCHC needs to investigate how the Hidalgo funding is obtained. Linda Garcia then inquired about the possible use of excess

donated funds for the Santa Maria Church. It was thought that monies might be accrued through general donations kept segregated from any church receipts. Another alternative was for the Commission to look for matching funds for the erection of certain markers or possibly to have Commissioners pitch in themselves. Lucia Weaver pointed out that Valley Interfaith encourages its members to talk to the county commissioners and that this subject might be one to discuss with them.

Lastly Lof spoke of the state's survey of WWII locations. Anyone having information on Cameron County sites should submit data to him. Recollections of the firing range next to the Laguna Madre and the Coast Guard structures along the beach of South Padre Island were brought to mind. Old photos in a tire repair shop along F Street, Harlingen were noted. Lof commented that there was a considerable amount of historical material out there in the community but yet to come to light.

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Gavito was out of town in Tampico so there was no financial report. Mary Hardy was still awaiting reimbursement from the Art-History Contest costs.

Museums/Oral History –No report.

Cemeteries – P. G. Cavazos told of his current work on the Cameron County cemetery list. The THC has sent us a proposed legend for the Estefana Goseascochea Cemetery. P.G. expressed dissatisfaction with it. As a case in point he distributed copies of the Rogers Massacre marker legend and pointed out some of its omissions and deficiencies. A brief discussion then followed touching upon the commingling and confusion caused by the Mexican Revolution in this area during the first two decades of the 20^th century. It was concluded that ignorance of this region's Mexican American history is a problem. It was voiced that local people should be the final arbiters on wording of markers for their community rather than the rather remote people in Austin.

The Cavazos family and friends appeared to be resigned to take on the $1,500 payment for the marker if no other funding sources could be found.

Roads – P. G. Cavazos told of three road name items with which the county was dealing. He noted insufficient background information for an honoree for one road's name.

Restorations – Norman Rozeff told of the recently passed ordinance in Harlingen. It sought to somewhat control the future appearance of the downtown area. Rozeff felt that the architecture of older downtown building was never very significant, esthetically or otherwise. Lof however elicited that sometimes ordinances acted to hold further reconfigurations and changes in abeyance. He revealed that the Neutra House restoration work is about to be finished and that work is continuing on the Commandant's House at Fort Brown.

Lof went on to say that Brownsville had recently passed an ordinance that prevents the demolition of structures by neglect. Mary Hardy added that San Benito had established a downtown change committee.

Website/Newsletter – No report.

History Markers –- Committee Chairman Rozeff announced that the THC had sent along the marker wording for P.G. Cavazos's ancestral cemetery and that it was being reviewed.

History-Art Contest – Mary Hardy was happy to state that the contest had twice as many entries as last year. The $100 grand prize went to Peg Kendall of Harlingen for her oil painting of the Lon C. Hill House. She suggested that Mark Clark be made chairman of this committee. She volunteered that he had offered his gallery for the display site of next year's entries. Everyone concurred that this was an excellent choice for a display site.

Chairman Lof gave an update on the Santa Maria Church situation. He indicated his displeasure at the molasses slow action Javier Solis of the diocese is taking in securing contractors to begin the roofing work which is to commence upon the shoring of the church's exterior walls. The master mason could then begin his job. At age 85 he needs to get going before time takes its toll both on him and the structure. Good news was that the Stillman Foundation had come forth with a $6,000 grant.

The City of Brownsville still has not consummated the purchase of the Laiseca Building.

Larry Lof spoke about the Palmito Ranch visit he and five locals made with federal officials. A trip through the Civil War's last battleground was revealing to the uninitiated. Lof said that the marker there was restored during the visit and that it was not a major undertaking. When queried about permission to work on local marker restoration he replied that such work was within the purview of the CCHC, and one needs no special permission if not conducted for a private house marker or the like.

Norman Rozeff moved to nominate Steve Hathcock to the CCHC. Upon a second by Pete Castillo the motion carried. A letter on the subject to the Cameron County Commission will be drafted.

President Lof passed around a book as a sample of a history book which might deal with the history of Cameron County and be sold as a fundraiser. Possible income from such an action could be as high as $20,000. He appointed Norman Rozeff, Steve Hathcock, and P. G. Cavazos as a committee to look into the feasibility of publishing such a book.

He then reminded all that the National Trust for Historic Places would hold a regional meeting in Brownsville on May 17. A reception is to be held in the Alonzo Building that evening. All CCHC people are invited to attend.

The next meeting will be in Harlingen, Sunday, June 15, 2008.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman Rozeff
Secretary

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