Ord 1990-013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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75 ........ :l ~ : '" :. .:.' '.....::~...., 2J{a1!S <tInunt'l 2J{istnrical QInmmissinn Post Office Box 376 San Marcos, Texas 78667-0376 February 24, 1990 The Honorable Kathy Monis, Mayor of San Marcos, 603 East Hopkins Street San Marcos Texas, 78666 Dear Kathy: As chairman of the Hays County Historical Commission I am expressing my concern for the proposed name change for the Old Fish Hatchery Office Building. Not only has it been identified since it was registered the Old Fish Hatchery Ofice Building as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1983, but it has actUally been known as the Fish Hatchery Office Building for almost one hundred years. And, you and I are both aware that the official Texas historical marker authenticating it as the Old Fish Hatchery Office Buillding may not be changed. Changing its name superficially will not change its identity and will only cause confusion among the public. This building, built 1895, has witnessed the actvities of San Marcos for almost a century. It was a fabulous coup for the City when the Federal Fish Hatchery was established here before the turn of the century and the office building has continued to contrtibute vitally to the comunity. Changing the name of the building to that of an individual will not only add to public confusion, but will obliterate the contribution made by other men in its history, among them W.H. Benton, the original planner, sent by the Department of the Interior to erect the hatchery, the first in the southwest. It would ignore the first superintendent, John H. Leary who died here while managing the station, for many years the largest in the United States; and Mark Riley who, as second superintendent in 1902, brought it to its most productive phase and managed the hatchey for many, many year, Older residents still identify him with it, as welJ as O. N. Baldwin who also planted many of the now beautiful trees on the old Fish Hatchery grounds while superintendent. By the same token, I would not like to see the funds coming from the endowment jeopardized and have a suggestion for another way to honor Mr. Richan . A handsome bronze commemortive plaque could be cast acknowledging Mr. Richan for his interest in the park and the building. Its wording could detail his service to the federal hatchery before it closed and the property transferred to Southwest Texas State. A public reception could be held in honor of Mr. Richan as the permanent plaque is dedicated to him. It could be placed either on the building or at the River for which he has such compassion. Sincerely, Ûðtl#~u-/ Mrs. Jack N. Stovall, Chairman ~7 (~ : .< "