Cameron County Historical Commission
San Benito, TX, October 18, 2009

A regular meeting of the CCHC was held Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the San Benito Municipal Building, 401 N. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, TX. at 2:04 p.m. with ten members and five guests present. Mary Torres, Chairman, called the meeting to order. Norman Rozeff led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and the son of Betty Agado the pledge to the Texas State flag.

Approval of Minutes -- Chairman Torres noted that the minutes of the August 16, 2009, meeting at Port Isabel had been mailed to some members, e-mailed to other members, and also posted on the CCHC website. On a motion by Lucia Weaver, seconded by Jose Gavito, the minutes were approved as distributed.

Report from the Chair -- Mary Torres welcomed the members and guests and thanked the San Benito contingent for hosting the meeting. She then presented a brief review on the CCHC presentation made to the County Commissioners. The CCHC annual report was presented to the Commissioners followed by a power point presentation put together by Peter Goodman on the Laiseca Building. The Commissioners appeared to look favorably on the restoration of this structure that needs immediate work on its roof in order to prevent serious deterioration to its interior. We shall work closely with Mr. Puga of the county to budget money for restoration. Jose Gavito outlined background information on the building for the attendees. A possibility existed that the building could be utilized for a CCHC headquarters among other things. Larry Lof then added that the unused balance of the CCHC for fiscal year 2008-2009, an amount of $5,000, had been agreed by the Commissioners to be earmarked for Laiseca restoration.

Chairman Torres then passed out one-page copies of a THC publicity document that brief ly outlined county historical commission responsibilities and how to contact commissions.

Treasurer's Report – Jose Gavito submitted for the records a copy of the CCHC 2009-2010 budget that had been approved by the County Commission. The total was $5,379.

Museums/Oral History –- Tootie Madden of San Benito spoke about the San Benito Museums and invited volunteerism.

Larry Lof noted the opening of the Southmost Center in Brownsville. It would encourage civic interest in that part of the city. Sadly, he spoke of the closure by the Audubon Society of its Sabal Palm Sanctuary due to lack of funds. He expressed concern on the adjacent historic Rabb House.

Norman Rozeff reported that the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum had conducted two very successful fund-raising events in the preceding week. These were the Taste of Harling en and a wine tasting/art show event. On November 8 at the museum there will be a book-signing gathering for Harlingen's Centennial Book. All are invited to attend.

Ricardo Pedraza announced that San Benito would soon host its annual Conjunto Festival this next weekend.

Jack Ayoub spoke of the upcoming organization meeting on October 20 to plan for San Benito's Texas Independence Day celebration to be held the weekend of February 26-27. It will be larger and even more festive than this year's event.

Cemeteries – Rozeff stated that he is working with city officials of San Benito to obtain a state historic cemetery designation for the San Benito City Cemetery. Some paperwork snafus with the THC have slowed up the processing. He received preliminary information this week on another cemetery also seeking a designation. This is Brownsville's oldest major cemetery site adjacent to the Dancy Courthouse.

Roads –Larry Lof explained that the proposed West Brownsville toll road had been redesignated a "parkway", but nothing about its basic nature had changed and that it was still greatly opposed by West Brownsville residents.

It was pointed out that work on the border fence was winding down. Further additions in the Brownsville and Southmost area are now being held in abeyance for financial and other reasons.

Restorations –Regarding work on the Our Lady of Visitation Church, Santa Maria, Lof once again indicated that he had moved aside with his assistance efforts after the Diocese poorly treated the 88- year old, very experienced mason who could have offered valuable advice on the structure's repairs. Lucia Weaver announced that Father Tom of Santa Maria was very ill and that this might effect any future progress. Chairman Torres reported on the DAR's Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter efforts to put together an attractive fund-raising brochure dealing with the church. It was thought that any funds raised would best be banked by the DAR rather than commingling moneys with either the county or the Diocese.

Lof stated that restoration work on bringing back the Fort Brown Commandant's House to its 1867 status was nearly completed. The next project to be attacked will be the 1850s Neale House. Close to the Compass Bank drive-in facility an old two-story building is being privately restored and will add greatly to add to the historic ambiance of the area according to Lof.

Website/Newsletter – Webmaster Clint Thomas is still up north. New articles continue to be added regularly to the site.

History Markers –- Committee Chairman Rozeff announced that the THC is running behind in awarding markers. It has a lengthy backlog list that it compiled and e-mailed to committee chairmen across the state this week. Wording on the J. C. Canales marker was received this week and returned to the THC with suggested changes.

History-Art Contest – no report.

Rozeff Spoke briefly about the opposition by UTB to the erection of a 400' Coast Guard communications tower adjacent to its old station at the southern end of South Padre Island.

There will be a meeting next week between Priscilla Rodriguez and the new director of the Port Isabel Museums to discuss the storage of CCHC records in Brownsville. They are voluminous since they include a sizeable collection of real estate abstracts.

Rozeff reported the receipt of an e-mail received this week soliciting information on South Padre Island WWII activities. It was passed on to CCHC member Steve Hathcock who is knowledgeable on this subject.

The annual meeting to be held in Brownsville will be on a date and place to be decided by the Brownsville members. It may possibly be on a Saturday morning around December 19

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m. A delicious spread of refreshments was then offered to the group.

Respectfully submitted
Norman Rozeff
CCHC Secretary        Return to CCHC Home Page