Cameron County Historical Commission
Port Isabel, Texas, August 17, 2008

The bimonthly meeting of the CCHC was held Sunday, August 17, 2008 at the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, Port Isabel, TX starting at 2:00 p.m. with eight members and three guests present. Larry Lof, Chairman, called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Linda Correa-Garcia. Lof then had the guests introduce themselves.

Approval of Minutes -- Chairman Lof noted that the minutes of the June 15, 2008 meeting had been mailed to some members, e-mailed to other members, and also posted on the CCHC website. There being no corrections or additions, on a motion by Linda Correa-Garcia, seconded by Mary Hardy the minutes were approved as distributed.

Report from the Chair -- Lof sadly noted the recent death of CCHC members Mary Ann Fortin, Jay Russell, and Carolyn Hall. Also noted was the death of past CCHC member Jim Myers of Port Isabel.

Lof then spoke of efforts to expand the interpretation of Palo Alto Battlefield and especially the heretofore neglected Resaca de la Palmas Battlefield. Also receiving attention were Fort Brown and Palmito Ranch (Hill). The National Park Service, Department of the Interior Texas Wildlife Service, and the U. of Texas at Brownsville are participating in think tank meetings to address the subject.

Treasurer's Report – In the absence of Treasurer Gavito there was no report.

Museums/Oral History – Through the decade-long efforts of Rio Hondo CCHC members Pete and Olga Castillo and John Dove, and CCHC member Sharon L. Newell, formerly of Rio Hondo, the Rio Hondo Museum has been established in a room in the Rio Hondo Administration Building.

Mary Torres reported that the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum sustained minor damage from Hurricane Dolly of August 23 but that the Harlingen Public Library had water damage resulting in considerable books and VCRs lost. Steve Hathcock of South Padre Island related that there was little damage to his private museum on the island. Mary Hardy of San Benito indicated that the city's new museum weathered the storm well. Lof detailed the considerable damage by water penetrating the walls of the Stillman House of the Brownsville Historical Complex. He explained how this could come about when brick surfaces were disturbed by inappropriate maintenance. He noted that the Market Square Vaults are being restored and hopefully one day we shall be able to store CCHC records in them. He emphasized that every museum should have a working storm plan and that it might even be good to have a person or more remain in the structure during a storm.

Cemeteries – P. G. Cavazos happily reported the receipt of the THC marker for his ancestor's cemetery. As soon as the Highway Department recovers from post-hurricane operations a site will be selected for the marker's location and a reception for its unveiling will take place. He continues work on documenting information to obtain a marker for the San Pedro Cemetery.

Mrs. Torres recounted that the Harlingen Cemetery project was on hold as one of the principles, Art Cohan, had injured himself in a hurricane-related accident. She commented on the project to place comprehensive information on county cemeteries internees on line. This major project will entail establishing its own website.

Mary Hardy stated that the San Benito Cemetery was being expanded with especial attention to the burial site of famous son, Freddie Fender (Baldemar Huerta).

Chairman Lof related that Gene Balch was spearheading efforts to upright stones in the Old Brownsville Cemetery. This would take additional effort to secure any permanency. The installation of lights and cameras at the site will go a long way to reduce future vandalism.

On September 14 Yolanda Gonzalez-Gomez will be a speaker at a workshop in the Old Brownsville Cemetery Museum. In years past Chula Griffith has done an excellent job in compiling burial records.

Roads – No report

Restorations – Steve Hathcock reported that he had taken a video during the demolition of the last WWII Coast Guard observer "sand pounder" house. Its various alterations over the years were evidenced as it came down.

Lof reminded all of the ongoing restoration of the Commandant's House at Fort Brown.

Website/Newsletter – No report

History Markers –- Committee Chairman Rozeff announced that First Baptist Church of Harlingen was working on documentation to secure a THC marker.

History-Art Contest – No report

Chairman Lof brought members up-to-date on the Santa Maria Church status. Just before the hurricane hit the building was shored up for stabilization and rotten timbers in the roof replaced. Luckily he spotted the open roof section above the altar and had the contractor cover the altar before the storm hit. The bricks of the edifice were well-saturated by storm waters, so any mortar work will have to await their thorough drying before work is initiated.

The City of Brownsville has apparently consummated the purchase of the Laiseca Building.

Norman Rozeff briefly discussed the idea of the Cameron County history book. With competing books soon to be published and with some negatives noted such as for the commercialization aspects of such a book as well as not so rosy a profit picture, the body decided to table any action on a Cameron County history book.

Rozeff went on to report that he had submitted a survey of the county's World War II military-related sites and records to the THC contractor who had requested them some months ago.

Norman Rozeff revealed that an examination of the CCHC by-laws showed that as things now stand new members could not be approved except in January of odd-numbered years. This appears to be quite restrictive. Chairman Lof then appointed Rozeff, Julie, Oliveira, Mary Hardy, and P.G. Cavazos as a committee to examine the by-laws in detail and make any recommendations for change.

Lof , after comments made by Rozeff about associates participating with the CCHC, readily grasped and supported this option. He stated that standing and specialized committees could utilize volunteer help. The only restriction was that they could not vote at meetings. Still, Lof reiterated the need to secure new members for the group.

The next meeting will be in the San Benito Museum, Sunday, October12, 2008. Deacon Saldivar of Santa Maria will be invited to speak about the history and future of the church. Media will be invited to get the word out on the church and its restoration.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m. Refreshments were then kindly provided by the Port Isabel hosts.

Respectfully submitted,

Norman Rozeff
Secretary            Return to Home Page