2004-119-RES AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION SEEKING THE DESIGNATION FOR THE CITY OF PARIS AS A PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITY

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Application for Preserve America Community (from the City of Paris, Texas) Addendum to basic application summary. Category 1: Discovering Heritage through Historic Places An inventory of historical properties is available in a booklet published by the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce with location and description of historic markers, structures, including driving instruction for visitation. A community supported museum is now under construction and is about eighty percent completed. This 7000 square foot structure will house the 1846 Biard log house (Texas Historical Marker. 1966) which is already restored and in place and the Buckner rooms which represent the sole remaining structural component of the Budmer Orphanage in Dallas, the major structures having been diminished. The museum has been entirely constructed as of this date by volunteer labor and donated materials. The museum even though incomplete has been visited by children's groups and the Lamar County Historical Society participated in the recent planting of an oak tree from the last home place of Stephen F. Austin (the Father of Texas) which was a project of the Texas State Historical Commission, one student from each county campus being represented. More than 30 historical markers have been placed in the city and county. The founder of the City of Paris is represented by a sculpture and marker which has been placed in Heritage Park. Heritage Park will have a walking trail with historical !acts noted every 50 yards, front and back. Category II: Protecting Historic Resources The Lamar County Historical Commission is a city sponsored organization as part of the Main Street Project. This is concerned with preservation affairs and meets monthly. The City Council of Paris has passed specific ordinances designed to preserve and protect the designated Historic District. This is functioning in coordination with the City Attorney. The Lamar County Historical Society is active in preservation and designation of historic structures and sites in the county. The Lamar County Genealogical Society occupies generous quarters in the newly restored Union Station and maintains the documentary aspects of the history of the area along with the Archives of Paris Junior College. Category: m: Promoting Historic Assets The Lamar County Historical Commission is active with monthly meetings and preservation activities. The Chamber of Commerce is very active in tourism promotion with a number of brochures readily available for historic preservation and viewing. The Lamar County Commisioners donate a 4 figure sum to the Lamar County Historical Commission yearly. A number of history organizations are active in the city including the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The Sons of Confederate Veterans gives an award yearly to the individual who contributes to he preservation of the Sam Bell Maxey House, a Texas Parks and Wildlife controlled historic site. The Keep Paris Beautiful Committee sponsors a yearly a celebration of local history (John Chisum Days) which is a two day celebration at the civic center.