Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
NEWS
October Start for Bridge Project
Rockdale Reporter - September 19, 2013
The 101-year-old Worley Bridge is going back to the future. Or maybe it’s ahead to the past.
Whatever term you prefer, beginning next month, restoration on the 101-year-old landmark should begin with the
goal to have the remarkable old iron structure looking the way it did just prior to World War I.
A pre-construction meeting on the long-awaited restoration project was held Thursday in the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) office in Cameron and Ellis-McGinnis Co. of Eddy was awarded the contract.
The renovation project is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 7. During the project the contractor will lift the
bridge off its supports with a crane and set it in a pasture.
While in “drydock,” the historic bridge will be restored to as near its original look as possible.
The restored bridge will then be replaced on its supports and reopened to traffic.
In May, 2011, the bridge, which links FM 908 to FM 486 through County Road 428, was closed to vehicular
traffic.
Under the terms of the contract awarded on Thursday, the company has eight months to complete the project,
although completion could be substantially earlier.
Some sub-contractors have already moved to the bridge site.
It’s estimated the bridge “pick” (lifting off supports) will take place in late October.
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Applications for historical markers now being accepted
Rockdale Reporter - September 19, 2013
AUSTIN - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is currently accepting applications for subject markers,
designated Historic Texas Cemeteries (HTC) and Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs).
Applications must be submitted to the appropriate county historical commission (CHC) and the deadline for CHCs
to forward applications to the THC is Nov. 15, via email, markerapplication@thc.state.tx.us. RTHLs and
business, industry and commerce are the thematic priorities for 2014 applications.
RTHLs are properties judged to be historically and architecturally significant and must be at least 50 years
old. Topics addressing those themes will receive additional points when new applications are scored.
The THC will approve up to 180 new applications; up to 20 additional markers will be approved through the
Undertold Stories marker program.
One of the most visible programs of the THC, historical markers commemorate diverse topics from the history and
architecture of houses, commercial buildings, religious congregations, and events that changed the course of
local and state history, to individuals who have made lasting contributions to Texas. There are more than
15,000 THC markers throughout the state.
A new tool is now available to assist the general public, preservationists, local historians, and CHCs with the
marker application process. The new Marker Toolkit is a one-stop-shop providing the basic steps of applying for
a marker. You may also view a webinar for more detailed marker information. Contact the THC’s History Programs
Division, 512-463-5853 for more info.
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THC prepares new round of courthouse preservations
Rockdale Reporter - September 19, 2013
AUSTIN - With a $4.2 million appropriation from the 83rd Texas Legislature, the Texas Historical Commission
(THC) will begin accepting applications for Round VIII of its award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse
Preservation Program (THCPP).
The limited funding for Round VIII grants will be focused on funding smaller courthouse projects with urgent
needs, unlike the full restorations that have been undertaken in the past.
The THC requested $20 million for the Round VIII grant cycle, but was appropriated only what remained in
Proposition 4 bond funding.
Emergency grants awarded in Round VIII will address serious building deficiencies affecting usability,
structural, and safety issues in historic county courthouses.
Since its inception in 1999, this nationally recognized program has distributed grant funds to fully restore 63
historic county courthouses in Texas, and an additional 20 counties have received smaller grants for emergency
and planning work. The state has invested more than $250 million in this effort, and local governments have
provided more than $150 million in matching funds.
Through this partnership, the THCPP has revitalized local landmarks, provided them with 21st Century standards,
generated investment in local communities and businesses and reinvigorated historic downtowns while promoting
heritage tourism.
Grant application forms will be posted on the THC website in November, and applications will be due in early
2014.
For counties that have not previously participated in the program, new preservation master plans must be
submitted and approved by the end of 2013.
Projects will be selected in early 2014 with work to begin shortly thereafter. Applications will be scored on a
point system. For more information, contact the Architecture Division at 512-463-6094.
Milam Museum Sells Cookbook for Holidays
CAMERON - The Milam County Museum has its new Heritage Collection cookbook on sale at the museum, 112 West
First, in downtown Cameron.
The project of the friends of the Milam County Museum is $25 and is filled with recipes from current and former
Milam County residents.
Chapter headings also have historic photos from the museum archives, and other historical information. Those
who purchase a copy can also receive the e-book version at no extra charge.
For an additional $5, the book can be shipped. Contact the museum at milamcountymuseum@milamcounty.net to place
an order.
Rockdale Reporter - October 31, 2013
HISTORIC MEETING
The Milam County Historical Commission picked a historical setting for its June session, the restored Conoley
Church south of Thorndale. At left, Johnnielyn Brown, president of the MCHC, led the business session as MCHC
members listened in the pews. Several descendants of church namesake Rev. Malcolm Campbell Conoley attended.
Rockdale Reporter - June 27, 2013
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101-year-old Worley Bridge spans the San Gabriel River adjacent to Apache Pass complex.
Reporter file photo - Mike Brown
Commissioners Move Deed of Bryant Bridge
Rockdale Reporter - December 12, 2013
CAMERON — Milam County Commissioners voted to move deed ownership of the Bryant Station Bridge, located on
County Road 275 at the Little River near Buckholts, during their regular meeting on Monday at the Milam County
Courthouse.
The court voted to move the deed to the Bryant Station Cemetery Association. Other agenda times included
fianncial updates and court case updates from various county officials.
Meadowbrook BC sets 60th-year celebrations
Rockdale Reporter - May 29, 2014
Meadowbrook Baptist Church, 1401 Colorado Avenue in Rockdale, is planning three 60th anniversary celebrations,
according to Rev. Russ Willis, pastor.
Events will be:
• Wednesday, June 18 at 6 p.m., homemade ice cream social.
• Saturday, June 21 at 5 p.m., dinner and concert
• Sunday, June 22 at 9:45 a.m., brunch and fellowship, followed by morning worship at 11 a.m.
“Come celebrate with former staff and friends,” Rev. Willis said.
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100 YEARS OF EXTENSION - On May 28, the Milam County Commissioners’ Court adopted the Centennial
Resolution recognizing the establishment of Cooperative Extension throughout the nation. In 1914,
the Smith-Lever Act was signed by the national congress creating an education system operating
through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state and local governments. The
collaboration and cooperation among governmental levels ensures Cooperative Extension’s
sustainability as the nation’s premiere non-formal educational network.
Pictured are (l-r) Pct. 1 Commissioner Chuck “Tank” Balch, Pct. 2 Commissioner Kenneth Hollas,
County Extension Agent-FCS Cheryl Walker, County Judge Dave Barkemeyer, Pct. 3 John Fisher and
Pct. 4 Commissioner Jeff Muegge.
Rockdale Reporter - June 5, 2014
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40 DOWN, 10 TO GO — Forty years ago Sunday (June 8, 1974) Rockdale buried a 50-year time capsule on the final
day of the town’s Centennial celebration. John Ballard, who was chairman of the observance, and wife Dina,
re-visited the site last week on the grounds of the city library. The Ballards also sat down to reminisce on
the big party.
Rockdale Reporter - June 5, 2014
Photo by Mike Brown