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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Preservation Cemeteries Historic Resources Survey Historical Marker THC Historical Markers Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline Vol. I & II by Larry Foerster 2024 Softbound $35 Hardbound $50 The two-volume updated second edition of my Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline has now arrived from the printer and will be available for sale. This expands my first edition published in 2013 from 239 pages to 500 pages in two volumes. Cover photos taken by professional photographer, David Clements, are of “The Texian” statue, created by noted local sculptor Craig Campobella. The statue is the centerpiece of the Lone Star Monument and Historic Flag Park in Conroe. This is a Montgomery County Historical Commission project with the support of County Judge Mark Keough and County Commissioners Robert Walker, Charlie Riley, James Noack, and Matt Gray. Volumes will soon be available at all County libraries. Volume I covers the years 1500 through 1918. Volume II covers the years 1919 through 2021. Each softbound volume is full of historic photos, maps, and other historic items that make reading our County’s history more interesting. Softbound Volumes I and II retail for $35 each. All proceeds are used to promote and preserve the history of Montgomery County. Checks can be made payable to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Email Larry Foerster at foerster@dfcllp.com Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Resources Search Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerester, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More The History of our Commission The Commission’s predecessor, the Montgomery County Historical Survey Committee, was organized in about 1953 during the administration of County Judge W.S. Weisinger, with W. H. “Harley Gandy as its first chairman. Other members included Mrs. Smith (Bessie) Owen and Mrs. Raymond (Anna) Weisinger of Montgomery; Miss Margaret Ella Watson of Willis; J. T. Montgomery, Mrs. A.K. Stewart, and Mrs. W.P. McComb, Sr., all of Conroe. The Commission was organized for the purpose of preservation of the county’s historical and cultural artifacts. In 1973 the Texas State Legislature created county historical commissions. Each county in Texas is required by State law to have a historical commission, and in that year the Historical Survey Committee’s title was changed to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. ​ Since it was organized in 1953, the Montgomery County Historical Commission has been prominent in regional and statewide historical activities. In 1966, Montgomery County along with DeWitt County (at the request of the State Commission) piloted a program of Texas History Appreciation Week sponsoring essay and poster contests in the public schools of Montgomery County. In June of that same year, dignitaries from many sections of Texas gathered in Montgomery County to pay tribute to the men who served Texas in the office of Secretary of State. Climaxing the event, a marker entitled “CHARLES BELLINGER STEWART, FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE” was unveiled and dedicated. The planning and cooperation of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce made this event outstanding by any standard. ​ The County Historical Commission has hosted numerous regional meetings, and the Commission has been awarded the State’s Distinguished Service Award for meritorious services in the field of historic preservation on at least three occasions. In 1978 the Commission received an award of merit for outstanding historical preservation accomplishment. The following year (1979), twenty County Chairmen in Texas were honored at the State Commission’s Silver Anniversary Banquet for having given the longest service to the Texas Historical Commission. Montgomery County was one of the counties recognized. ​ During the Civil War Centennial Celebration in Texas (1961-1965), countless Confederate soldiers’ graves were located, service proven, and marked with government stones. Cooperation with the Texas Civil War Centennial poster and essay contests for high school students resulted in State-wide recognition for the county when Charles Heintz (a junior in Montgomery High School) won first place and a college scholarship with his entry entitled, “A MONTGOMERY COUNTY SOLIDER BOY”. This was a biographical paper on Frank B. Chilton of Montgomery who ran away from home to serve the Confederacy as a very young boy. He survived the war, returned home, and compiled a history of Hood’s Brigade. He was chiefly instrumental in gathering funds for the monument to Hood’s Brigade that stands on the Capitol grounds in Austin. ​ ​ Perhaps the most lasting and widely-publicized spin-off of the Commission is the creation of the Montgomery Trek Historic Homes Tour in Montgomery. In 1954, a Montgomery area citizen who was also doing volunteer work for the Texas Historical Foundation had an idea of organizing the first tour of old homes under this new State program of restoration and preservation. Late in 1954, with the guidance of the then Texas State Historical Survey Committee, the Montgomery Historical Society was formed to manage the affairs of the tour with its chief purpose being to preserve and/or restore the many aging but architecturally sound old homes in the Montgomery area. In April of the following year (1955), the first tour netted some one hundred and fifty visitors to six homes. Since this first tour, each third Sunday in April sees attendance at the “Trek” in ever-increasing numbers. Weather permitting, registration from five to as many as eleven buildings varies from four and five hundred to as many as eleven hundred at each place. Proceeds from the tour have been used to erect the many historical makers in the town, to restore its cemeteries, to further and encourage restoration and upkeep of the buildings, and to purchase historical materials for schools and libraries. The Arnold-Simonton House in Montgomery has been listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and has received a matching funds grant for the historic and architectural study necessary for restoration. Efforts to authentically restore this classic Greek Revival cottage were successful, and after serving as the city hall for the City of Montgomery for several years, it was moved to Fernland Historical Park where it serves as a museum. ​ In 1972, Montgomery County was one of the fifteen counties invited to attend a comprehensive three-day workshop on oral history held at the L.B.J. Library in Austin. Three members attended. ​ Through the work and efforts of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, over 40 historical markers (including subject, grave, and building markers) have been researched, applied for, and received for Montgomery County. ​ The need for historical activity in Montgomery County is boundless. The County is rich in research materials, buildings that need notice, and countless other subjects concerning the heritage of the people of the County. ​ The Montgomery County Historical Commission has been chaired by the following individuals since it was formed in 1953: ​ W. H. “Harley” Gandy (1953-1963) Bessie Owens (1963-1985) Gertie Spencer (1985-2012) Larry L. Foerster (2012- ) In 1963, W. H. “Harley” Gandy stepped down as the Commission’s first chairman and the County Commissioners appointed Bessie Owen as chairperson. On February 13, 1985, the Commissioners Court honored Mrs. Owen’s 22 years of distinguished service to the Historical Commission with a wooden and bronze plaque, and Mrs. James (Gertie) Spencer was appointed as her successor. Gertie Spencer faithfully served as Chair of the Historical Commission for the next 27 years. On May 7, 2012, the County Commissioners Court honored Gertie Spencer for her exemplary service to the Historical Commission and, upon the recommendation of County Judge Alan B. Sadler, appointed Larry L. Foerster to the position of Chair of the Commission. ​ Larry L. Foerster, Chairperson Montgomery County Historical Commission June 18, 2012 Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More About the Historical Commission What is the County Historical Commission? The official state agency for historical preservation, the Texas Historical Commission (THC), was created originally in 1953 as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee by the Texas Legislature. It retained that title until the 63rd Legislature changed it to the Texas Historical Commission. ​ The Montgomery County Historical Commission (MCHC) is a duly constituted organization of the Montgomery County government composed of citizen members who are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve for two-year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and the Commissioners Court, and also to the Texas Historical Commission. ​ The County Historical Commission has followed the Texas Historical Commission’s ongoing purpose of surveying, recording, and promoting the appreciation of local history as well as marking those historic sites and structures deemed worthy of preservation for either historical or architectural reasons. ​ The Commission works in various fields, including archeology, architecture, history, economic development, and heritage tourism for the benefit of present and future generations. The agency helps identify and preserve historic sites and helps to preserve the heritage of Montgomery County. Historic preservation is a vital part of a promising future within our community. Misson and Role of Texas Historical Commissions ​ To discover, and as appropriate, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County, Texas, such as the placement of historical markers. To cooperate with other persons, groups, organizations and agencies in preserving the history and heritage of Texas. ​ County Historical Commissions (CHC) are responsible for reviewing all applications for state historical markers before they come to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). They also serve as advisors to their Commissioners Court on matters of historic preservation. In addition, they often operate or promote county history museums, develop archival collections, promote local history celebrations and heritage tourism, publish books and brochures dealing with the county’s history and historic sites, undertake surveys of cultural and historic resources, conduct oral history projects, and all other manner of preservation programs. ​ Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission "Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Videos Videos Videos from around Montgomery County Videos All Videos All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing Miracle City Moments: How the Courthouse Came to Conroe 02:09 Play Video Now Playing Why Is EVERYONE Moving To Montgomery County Texas? 11:40 Play Video Now Playing 012524 FLOOD WATERS TAKE OUT BONNIE AND CLYDE BRIDGE 07:38 Play Video Texas Centennial Snapshots (1936) This film from the Orris D. Brown Collection documents notable locations, battles, and citizens that tell the story of early Texas at the time of its centennial in 1936. Intertittled to introduce each place and its significance, footage is included of statues of La Salle and Sam Houston, the Spanish Governor's Palace and the Alamo in San Antonio, the Battle of Gonzales battlefield, the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in Washington-on-the-Brazos, Sam Houston's homes in Independence, Texas and Huntsville, Texas, and the graves of the Houston family. Most notably, footage of Sam Houston's slave and personal servant, Uncle Jeff Hamilton, is also included. The digital preservation of this film was made possible by a grant to the Texas Archive of the Moving Image and the Houston Public Library from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church- Conroe (1970) This home movie captures scenes of the congregation of Mt. Horem Baptist Church traveling by bus to Conroe, Texas for what seems to be a joint service with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Children put on robes for a choir performance and a potluck dinner takes place. Cut and Shoot Fast Draw (1980) Broadcast on August 21, 1980, this episode of PM Magazine features profiles of quick-draw champions Diane and Bob Graham and economist Howard Ruff. PM Magazine Departments also offer gardening tips, a warning about refined sugar, and a recommendation for a local take-out restaurant. PM Magazine was a local news and entertainment television program broadcast on Beaumont's KFDM-TV in from late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Sam Houston Trail Ride & 1964 World's Fair This 1964 home movie first captures the Sam Houston Trail Ride, an all-horse parade that travels the trail roads from Montgomery into Houston to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, now averaging over two million attendees annually. Later, the Rairigh family journeys to New York City for the 1964 World's Fair, where they see DuPont's "Wonderful World of Chemistry." The film concludes with the Rairighs back home in Beaumont to celebrate Christmas. Trail Ride in Montgomery (1958) This home movie, shot by former member of the Texas House of Representatives Harold H. "Hal" Coley, captures a trail ride in Conroe. Participants dressed in Western attire ride horses or atop covered wagons. Later, the Coley family tours their new lake house. Explosion Starts Oil Fire (1933) Conroe "Remarkable pictures of a burning gusher that shakes houses seven miles away when it ‘goes up' and which defies all attempts to quench its roaring flames." [From original Universal Newsreel content sheet.] This Universal Newsreel contains dramatic footage of an oil well fire near Conroe, Texas. Men approach the blaze behind protective shields and a crane pours dirt over the flames. Conroe, Texas, like many East Texas towns, enjoyed an oil boom in the 1930s. This newsreel is believed to depict the Conroe well fires of 1933. Two wells a mile apart, the Standard of Kansas No. 1 Madeley and the Southland Oil No. 2 Cummings, both burst into flame the morning of January 12th. The Madeley was particularly difficult to get under control, with nitroglycerine blasts and dirt fill proving unsuccessful. The well cratered, swallowing the derrick and other nearby rigs, resulting in huge damages. After drilling many relief wells, the fires were eventually brought under control, but had created a large oil-filled "crater well" in the Conroe oilfield. Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Minutes and Reports Annual Report of the Commission 2023 Montgomery County Historical Commission Report Minutes and Reports Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County History Bessie Owen Collection Visit Places Visit People Visit Events Visit Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Grants Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Contact Us Address c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Contact us by using this form: First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting! Join the Mailing List Enter your email here Subscribe Thanks for submitting! Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.