RESO 1982-02(A) - Recognize Old MainRESOLUTION NO. 82 -2
WHEREAS, at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, February 12, 1982, a tragic fire
was reported involving the ninety -two year old landmark structure on the
Sam Houston University Campus known as OLD MAIN; and
WHEREAS, because of the building's prominence overlooking
Huntsville and visibility from a large area of Walker County; and
WHEREAS, the reverence and affection in which OLD MAIN was held is
legendary because of its style, history and proximity to its sister
structure, the fabled Austin College Building (the oldest educational
structure still in use West of the Mississippi River, Circa 1853) that
also became involved in the fire; and
WHEREAS, the immediate and totally professional manner of response
to the alarm by the members of the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department
and its membership which includes:
Joe French, Fire Chief
Lloyd Legler, Asst. Chief
Curtis Loving, Asst. Chief
John Fain
Frank Smith
Robert Bradberry
Bobby Stanford
Carroll Joe Heaton
Paul Alexander
Johnny Kibby
Mike English
H. B. Lawson
Mike Roempke
Ronald Fain Pee
J. C. Loving
Bob Smith
Tom Grisham
James Heath
Robert Coker
E. J. Hinson
David Martinez
Ralph Becker
Gene Goodrum
Jerry Corner
Jon Morris
Darryl Whitman
Robert Brown
Wee Loving, Member Emeritus
John Hobbs
Larry Grisham
Charles Smith
Oscar Bayer
Mike Comella
Dale Popp
Eric Thompson
John Waldo
Forest Harrell
Milton Widner
Roy Montgomery
Charles Rogers
Jay Durham
as well as the assistance rendered by other Volunteer Fire Departments
from neighboring cities which included:
New Waverly
Trinity
Navasota
Indian Springs
Madisonville
Livingston
Scenic Loop
Onalaska
Cleveland
Corrigan
by sending their equipment and manpower totaling over 100 men to fight
the blaze, all of which contributed greatly to the effort; and
WHEREAS, all of the firefighters received support in their effort
to suppress the conflagration from the Huntsville Police Department, the
University Police and the Walker County Sheriff's Department, whose
efforts provided a measure of safety, along with countless other
individuals who assisted in the effort to salvage the artifacts and
provide food and drink throughout the long night; and
WHEREAS, without the tireless efforts and professional approach to
the worst fire in Huntsville's history, greater loss, possible injuries
and further spread would have surely been manifested; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council, the University and City
officials and the entire citizenry wish to concurrently express their
appreciation, respect and admiration to all who labored against
incalculable odds to prevent the infamous destruction of our beloved
structural cornerstone on the day that will be remembered as "Black
Friday" in Huntsville.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council, City of
Huntsville, Texas, that:
Section 1. Due acknowledgement is hereby made that all within human
capability was done by the individuals and their respective fire units
to suppress the fire, limit its spread and provide for the safety of
everyone; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED on behalf of those who loved OLD MAIN and
Austin College because of their rich history, structural significance,
beauty and prominence, that heartfelt thanks be extended to everyone who
came to their defense.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately from and after
its passage. D
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY THIS /16i0 day of �CUarj , 1982.
BY:
ATTEST:
Rut DeShaw, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
‘_Ptad
Scott Boun s
City S , y ney
CITY OF HUNTSVILLE
L
W. V. Nash, Mayor