Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
DATE: November 1, 2010
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION OFFERS FREE WORLD WAR II ORAL HISTORY TRAINING
ROCKDALE, Texas –– The Texas Historical Commission (THC), in conjunction with the Milam County
Historical Commission and the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce will co-host a free oral history
training workshop and statewide site survey meeting at the Patterson Civic Center in Rockdale on
Monday, November, 1 from 6 – 9 p.m. The workshop is one of a series taking place across the
state, which highlights the real places telling the real stories of Texas’ involvement in the
war effort. Funding for the workshops is provided by the Houston Endowment and the Summerlee
Foundation of Dallas and is designed for people to learn how to conduct and record oral
histories pertaining to World War II.
WHO: THC historian William McWhorter, the Milam County Historical Commission and the Rockdale
Chamber of Commerce
Public welcome — please call 512-463-5833 to pre-register.
WHAT:
Free World War II Oral History Training Workshop
WHEN:
Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 6:00 PM – 9:00 P.M. p.m.
WHERE:
Patterson Civic Center
609 Mill Street
Rockdale, 76567
BACKGROUND: The workshops, titled Here and There: Recollections of Texas in World War II, are
part of the THC’s Texas in World War II initiative. The program honors and preserves the
memories of Texans who served in the armed forces during World War II and the contributions they
made to the war effort. Historical markers, a commemorative brochure and a military/home front
sites survey are part of this program that enriches lives through history.
Milam County Historical Museum
The Milam County Historical Museum is hosting its annual Fundraiser and Membership Drive 6-10
p.m., Oct. 9, at The Mercantile Bistro on the Square in Downtown Historic Cameron at 106 S.
Houston.
The event will feature The FAB 5, formerly The Chevelles of Austin, who perform music from the
’50s, ’60s and ’70s, rock ’n’ roll, R&B, country music and more. The event will include a barbecue
buffet with refreshments. All members of the museum are cordially invited to attend. The couple’s
price of $30 includes a year’s membership to the museum. Individual tickets are $15.
For information, contact Charles King, director of the museum, at 254-697-4770,
254-697-8963 or email milamco@vvm.com.
Archeology month features El Camino Real programs
Several special events will be held in the obser vance of Texas Archaeology Month in Milam County,
according to an announcement by Judy Slusher, chair of the Archeology Committee of the Milam
County Historical Commission.
Also during October, Apache Pass will be the site of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National
Historic Trail Association, Oct. 21.
PROGRAM — Jeffrey Williams, GIS Coordinator for the Arthur Temple School of Forestry and
Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches will present a program Oct. 13.
His topic is “The Archaeology of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.” The program
will begin at 6 p.m. in the district courtroom of the Milam County Courthouse. El Camino Real de
los Tejas was a major corridor used to connect Mexico with western Louisiana.
It was designated as a National Historic Trail in 2004. Since that time, the National Park Service
in Santa Fe has worked to identify significant cultural and historic resources that meet the
criteria to be included as high potential sites on the trail.
Williams served as the coordinator and principal investigator in this effort. He helped with the
development of the Comprehensive Management Plan which will be used to guide the development of
this trail.
Williams has done extensive work in developing maps which depict the trail.
FOURTH GRADERS —In addition to the Williams’ presentation, programs will be presented to fourth-
grade classes to make them aware of the importance of archaeology in the study of history.
Presenters will include Geri Burnett, Dee Dee Green, Randy Billingsley and Judith Slusher. All
events are sponsored by the Milam County Historical Commission. There is no charge for any event.
MEETING—The late Dr. Kathleen Gilmore, will be honored for her research at the mission sites
located in the general area of Apache Pass.
Her research resulted in a listing in the National Register for the San Xavier complex. Speaking
at the morning session Oct. 21 will be State Historian Dr. Jesus De La Teja from Texas State
University.
For additional information , contact Geri Burnett (512-446-5087) or Dr. Dee Dee Green (254-697-
4692).
Rockdale Reporter, September 30, 2010
Trail Association to meet Oct. 21st
Historian, honors, Native American dances to highlight Apache Pass event
Former Texas State Historian Dr. Frank de la Teja will be the keynote speaker when El Camino Real
de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association meets at Apache Pass Oct. 21.
Dr. de la Teja has published extensively on Spanish, Mexican and Republic-era Texas history. and
has received numerous awards, including being named the first Texas State Historian in Texas in
2009.
He is a fellow of the Texas State Historical Association.
In 2008, he received the Americanism Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Dr. de la Teja is currently chair of the History Department at Texas State University.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Apache Pass restaurant with the morning session starting at
9.
PARK SERVICe — Also speaking at the morning session will be Dr. Susan Boyle, historian with the
National Park Service.
Dr. Boyle has worked extensively w th Milam County in planning for the development of the Trail,
according to Dr. Lucile Estell, board member.
Eight members of the National Park Service staff in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will be at the meeting,
including Aaron Mahr, superintendent of the Santa Fe office.
HONORS — Honored at the meeting will be the late Dr. Kathleen Kirk Gilmore , an archaeologist who
is credited with extensive research on the San Xavier Missions located at this site.
“This research resulted in the listing in the National Register of Historic Places of the San
Xavier missions,” Dr. Estell said.
Dr. Estell said during the 1:30 p.m. afternoon session, participants will be able to experience
the trail as they watch flint knapping, hear stories told, watch reenactments or go on a hayride
to a nature trail located in the area.
“Authentic Indian dances will be performed as will reenactments of historic events in this area,”
she said.
Participants may have their photos made on historic Worley Bridge, she said.
BIKE RIDE — Board member Mark Stine of Austin has organized a bicycle ride in connection with the
event.
Stine said easy paced bike rides of 3, 5, and 8 miles will be available. Riders may bring their
own bicycles or comfortable hybrid bikes and helmets will be provided by Bike Texas for the first
12 persons to sign up.
Helmets are required for all riders.
Indian dances will be led by Chief Rufus Davis, head of the Adai Caddo nation located near
Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Chief Davis will also close the day with a special ceremony at the Apache Pass Prayer Circle.
For additional information about any event, contact Steven Gonzales, executive director of the
historic trail 512-850-9073 or board members Joy Graham 512-446-5563 or Lucile Estell 512-446-
5372.
Dr. Estell said there is no charge for any event but registration is required to guarantee a seat
for the morning session.
Lunch will be available for $10 per person, she said.
Rockdale Reporter, October 14, 2010
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