HISTORICAL COMMISSION DISCUSSES CEMETERIES

The Chambers County Historical Commission met last week and following the usual business items of minutes and committee reports, a lengthy discussion was conducted concerning historical cemeteries. Commission Chair Bob Wheat reported that the Texas Historical Commission has approved the marker for the old Mexican Cemetery located on the south shoreline of Lake Anahuac. The information for the marker has been sent to the foundry for casting and a dedication ceremony will be conducted when the marker is completed.

The Commission also discussed an ongoing effort to locate the Chambers Cemetery on the north bank of Turtle Bayou just west of FM 563. This cemetery holds the remains of several of the descendants of Gen. Thomas Jefferson Chambers. It is on the site of a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant that has been planned by Carter, Ltd. Chair Wheat has notified the TCEQ of the existence of the cemetery, which must be protected. The Commission welcomes any information from the public concerning the exact location since the headstones are no longer visible.

Jean Epperson, Ex-Officio member reported that a project is ongoing in Liberty County to locate and refurbish all of the 1936 Texas Centennial Markers at the request of the Texas Historical Commission. The project will also be extended to Chambers County, which is believed to have at least four of the markers.

James B. Sterling, III, also an Ex-Officio member, reported on several upcoming events that were of interest to the Commission. September 12th will be Dick Dowling Day at Sabine Pass and a reenactment of the naval battle that occurred there will be conducted. On November 7th, the Texas Navy will conduct the first annual Texas Navy Regatta. The group will sail from the Houston Yacht Club across Trinity Bay to Double Bayou and the Channel Marker 17 Restaurant. Interested parties may contact Mr. Sterling. He also reported that the Dayton American Legion would conduct a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a new American Legion Hall on SH 146 in Dayton. The ceremony will be on November 11th at 4:00 PM. A special service for veterans will be held at 6:00 PM at the St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

The Chambers County Historical Commission meets on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Historical Museum/Archives Building and the public is encouraged to attend. The museum is also open Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 5:00 pm and visitors are welcome.

"Preserving the past ... to protect the future"