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Historical marker dedication set for May 17
At 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, a ceremony will be held on the south side of the courthouse to officially dedicate a historical marker that identifies the newly restored structure as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Texas Historical Commission officials said the RTHL designation is the highest one bestowed by the state to a historic structure for "architectural integrity and historical associations." "Historic structures serve as directories of early residents and reflect the cultural influences that helped shape our state's communities. The Recorded Texas Historic Landmark helps bring attention to these community treasures and the importance of their preservation," said THC executive director Larry Oaks in a press release. "Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of such architectural and heritagerich sites. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of these important cultural resources." The pole-mounted marker, which will stand nearly six feet once installed, is already in the possession of the county. It was shipped here from San Antonio and is being stored by County Maintenance Supervisor Paul Shannon. Shannon intends to place the marker in the courthouse lawn the week before the ceremony. It will most likely be installed on the Burleson Street side of the courthouse, between the sidewalk leading to the courthouse doors and the gazebo. That spot is less "cluttered" than other sides of the courthouse since there are no monuments in the direct vicinity, Shannon said. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark markers are much less common than subject markers and, according to the THC, carry a legal designation that requires the structure's owners to provide the commission with 60 days notice before making any alterations to the building's structure. To qualify for an RTHL marker, a historic structure must be at least 50 years old and retain much of its architectural integrity. It must also be in good shape, serve as a model of preservation and demonstrate historical significance. The Wharton County Courthouse was restored to its original 1889 glory last year following a project that took four years and millions of dollars to complete. THC historical preservation grants provided the bulk of the funding. Wharton businessman Jeffrey Blair, who has been intricately involved in the local restoration efforts, said plans are to open the courthouse to the public during the May 17 marker dedication ceremony. He said many county residents have yet to tour the magnificently restored facility. "We hope to have the courthouse open to have people go through it," he said. Part of the ceremony will include the gathering of items for a time capsule. The capsule will be buried at a later date near the Wharton County Veterans Memorial, but items will be collected on May 17. A.C. Shelton, a member of the local historical preservation committee, said the collection will include such things as a recent copy of the Journal- Spectator, a list of elected and appointed officials and a copy of the recent Texas Highways issue that contained an article about Wharton. He stressed area residents can contribute as well. "It would be a great thing to do. We hope people will bring their items," he said. He suggested items like CDs and DVDs of photos and music, personal notes, school test papers, church bulletins, business cards, newspaper clippings and psychic predictions for the future. Items that will not be allowed include glass containers, items that contain moisture or liquids, hazardous products and devices that hold batteries. All items must be smaller than a one-pound coffee can. Shelton said J-M Manufacturing will provide a plastic pipe for the capsule. It's unknown what the dimensions will be. "We don't know what we have yet," he said. The capsule will be opened in 2058. |
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