March 2 Events to Include SHSU President Plaques
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| The Bearkat March 2 Brigade steps lively
on its way to the grave site. |
Each year on March 2 there are big events in Huntsville. This
year will be no different, with an extra added attraction.
March
2 is General Sam Houston's Birthday (214th this year). It is
also Texas Independence Day, Texas Flag Day and Walker County
Pioneer Day.
This
year in addition to the traditional speech and wreath-laying
there will be a dedication of plaques to be placed on the graves
of former Sam Houston State presidents buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
The
day will begin with a coffee and reception from 9:30 - 10:30
a.m. at the Gibbs-Powell House Museum, 1228 11th St.
Sam
Houston State faculty staff and students, and anyone else who
would like to join up, will again march from the campus to General
Houston's grave site at Spur 94 and 9th Street for the 11 a.m.
ceremony.
After
that ceremony there will be a luncheon in the Katy and E. Don
Walker, Sr. Education Center in the Sam Houston Memorial Museum
Complex. The luncheon is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Finally,
the Toast to Texas and Birthday Cake event is scheduled for 2
p.m. at the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center.
Robert
L. Schaadt, director-archivist of the Sam Houston Regional Library
and Research Center in Liberty, is the featured speaker for the
General Sam Houston grave site ceremony.
Schaadt
has spent more than 30 years studying the life and times of Sam
Houston and his family. From 1978 to 1983 he was the Texas State
Library's field archivist for 34 counties along the Gulf Coast.
Prior to working in Texas, he held archival positions in California.
Since
1978 he has been active in many historical and archival organizations,
served on several state historical commissions, and has several
publications to his credit including The History of Hardin
County . He actively promotes Texas history through presentations,
a monthly radio show and writing for newspapers.
In
addition to Schaat's speech, the Sam Houston State University
Alumni Association will dedicate plaques to former presidents
Harry F. Estill, Charles N. Shaver, Harmon N. Lowman and Elliott
T. Bowers. All are buried in Oakwood Cemetery. The plaque dedication
will take place at the Sam Houston grave site.
Periodically
since 1889, members of the university and Huntsville community
have observed the date by walking from Austin Hall to General
Houston's grave site in Oakwood Cemetery.
"The
march to the grave was first started 10 years after the founding
of the school, and it was done from then on until 1932, when
the Depression ended it," said Caroline Castillo Crimm, professor
of history.
"If
it is rainy, I will bring black garbage bags and we will be the
'Garbage Bag Brigade' again. We were really cozy, warm and dry
that way. Last year, we nearly died in the heat - we couldn't
do much for that."
The
brigade will form up and receive marching orders on the north
side of Austin Hall at 10:15, with an ETD (estimated time of
departure) of 10:30 and ETA (estimated time of arrival) at the
cemetery of 10:59. The ROTC color guard will lead the way.
The
coffee and reception is free and cost of the luncheon is $15.
Event organizers are asking that those planning to attend the
coffee and reception and luncheon should call 936.295.4287 or
936.294.1832 by Feb. 26.
—END—
SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Feb. 22, 2007
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.
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