Cameron County Historical Commission

The bimonthly meeting of the CCHC was held Sunday, June 10, 2007 at the Parish Hall, Santa Margarita Church, Santa Maria, TX, 2 PM, with 28 members and guests present. Larry Lof, Chairman called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes - Chairman Lof noted that the minutes of the April 15, 2007 meeting had been mailed to members and also posted on the CCHC website. There being no corrections or additions, it was moved and seconded that the minutes be approved as distributed. The motion passed.

Report from the Chair - Larry introduced Dr. David Pearson, UTB/TSC, Salvador Saldana, Deacon, and Javier Solis, Brownsville Diocese and welcomed guests from the Santa Margarita Church. The following members were absent: Ed Meza, Priscilla Rodriguez, Norman Rozeff, Joe Gavito, Mary Hardy, Sam Magee and Peggy Goode. Priscilla Rodriguez and Sarah Williams will be attending grant-writing seminars in Austin. Also present was Raul Castelan, a reporter from KRGV, Channel 5.

Treasurer's Report – Larry Lof reported that Ed Meza had called and reported that the budget from the County had been increased to $6,650. Also as per our By Laws, a bank account can be set up specifically for fund raising activities.

Note: At this point there was a deviation from the normal order of business to allow staff from UTB/TSC to present a request regarding a historical impact report and for a presentation to the local residents regarding plans for restoring "Our Lady of the Visitation" Catholic Church in Santa Maria. (Parts of this presentation was conducted in Spanish)

Roads – A request was received from the Texas Historical Commission for a historical impact report on the building of a 500 ft. communications tower near downtown Brownsville and the UTB/TSC campus. Dr. Pearson, UTB/TSC, spoke of the potential adverse effects of the tower on the University’s efforts to incorporate the historical features of Fort Brown into the overall design of the campus. He said this huge tower, visible for 1½ miles, would be located on the far side of the levee near the education and business schools on land owned by the City of Brownsville. He distributed two maps showing the area of impact. The tower would be used to provide wireless Internet services for the city, but its location could also adversely affect the University’s computer and electrical systems. Dr. Pearson asked CCHC to oppose the tower and ask for the issue to be revisited. After a discussion on the historical and environmental effects on the university and the downtown area, it was moved and seconded that Larry Lof draft a letter to the THC on behalf of the Cameron County Historical Commission opposing the construction of the tower as planned. The motion carried.

Old Business: Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, Santa Maria, TX

Javier Solis, Jesse Salinas, and Deacon Salvador Saldivar were in attendance representing the Diocese of Brownsville. Mr. Solis noted that one year ago the local parish was given approval for a capital funds activity for the construction of a new church and a $50,000 grant was received from The Kenedy Foundation. To date, this has not happened. He spoke about the Our Lady of the Visitation Church in Santa Maria calling it a "cultural and historical gem" and remarked on its poor condition and the need for stabilization. Since the one year grant period expires in August, he proposed asking the Kenedy Foundation to redirect the funds it had granted for a new church towards the stabilization of the old church rather than losing them. A letter will be mailed tomorrow and if approved, work can commence. With hurricane season approaching it is important that the building’s roof be repaired as soon as possible. Several local residents expressed concern that they had not been made aware of plans to restore the old church and were in favor of new construction. Lucia Weaver commented that this is the third meeting to be held in Santa Maria regarding the old church. A question was posed about seeking other sources of funding. Larry Lof said a fund raising campaign would be conducted and application could be made to the THC for a planning grant, however, this would come after the stabilization is completed. Larry commented that this is not a decision-making meeting and it is still in the hands of the community. Javier Solis stated that the Diocese is responsible for the old church and liable if anyone were to be injured. Deacon Saldivar stated that the old church could be used for liturgical services once it is restored. This matter was tabled to a special meeting at a future date.

Committee Reports: After presentation and discussion of the communications tower and the Santa Maria church, guests were served refreshments and members of the Commission continued with the business meeting.

Museums/Oral History – Mary Torres reported on two exhibits at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum; "Fab, Form and Fashion" and artwork by Tony Schaub. The Museum and the Harlingen Historical Preservation Society will present the 4t Annual Harlingen Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 30 at 10 AM at the museum.

Cemeteries – P. G. Cavazos announced that his application to THC for the designation of the "Estefana Goseasochea Cemetery, Cameron County as a Historic Texas Cemetery was approved on May 3, 2007. He displayed a letter and a certificate from the THC and thanked Santos Canales and Norman Rozeff for their assistance with this project.

Restorations – No report

Website/Newsletter – No report

Historical Markers – Larry Lof handed out guidelines for "Repairing Texas Historical Markers."

History-Art Contest – Rosaura Gutierrez thanked the Port Isabel Museum for hosting the County’s art contest in April. There were 12 entries and the quality of the paintings was excellent. A discussion followed with suggestions for next year’s contest such as good publicity up front, expand the focus and perhaps include a category for adults. The San Benito Historical Society will host next year’s contest.

New Business - Mary Torres said a new Regional Coordinator has been hired for the Texas Tropical Trail. Her name is Marlett Bahn and she is a Kingsville resident. The next Tropical Trail meeting will be in San Diego on June 19.

A questionnaire was received from the THC regarding the Visionaries in Preservation Program at the County level.

Program: None

Next Meeting: The next meeting will be Sunday, August 19, 2007 at San Benito, TX. In the Narcisso Martinez Center where the CCHC has previously met.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM.

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