SOMERVILLE STADIUM AND YEGUA CENTER AWARDED HISTORICAL MARKERS
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Somerville Stadium and Yegua Center as significant parts of Texas history by awarding each an Official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors the stadium and center as important and educational parts of local history.
A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held on October 8, 2016, at 2:00 PM, at the Yegua Center in Somerville, Texas. Speakers for the afternoon will include William H. “Bill” Neinast and Donald Lee Strickland, former students. The Burleson County Historical Commission welcomes the public to share in and witness this exciting historical event.
A subject qualifies for a marker if two basic criteria are met: historical significance and age. Historical significance is established by reviewing its role and importance in local history, and the age requirement depends on the topic. The THC’s Official Texas Marker Policies are outlined in the Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures, which may be obtained by contacting the History Programs Division, Texas Historical Commission, at 512/463-5853 or visiting the web site at www.thc.state.tx.us.
Melynda Giesenschlag, a Burleson County Chairperson says:
“The Burleson County Historical Commission is excited to dedicate these markers for the two structures, good examples of rustic architecture built in the 1930’s by the Works Progress Administration and still in use today. It is vital that as we move forward, we do not forget our past. Not only will the Texas Historical Markers provide awareness in the community of our fascinating history, but they will become building blocks for the promotion of local tourism.”
Linda Pinkerton, of the Somerville Ex-Students Association, says, "Getting these markers has been a dream of our Ex-Students Association for many years. Both of these structures have so much sentimental value as well as historic value to all of us, and it is nice to know they will be preserved."
There are three types of Texas Historical Markers. Subject markers are posted solely for public education awareness and awarded more frequently than the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL), which is a legal designation for historic structures and comes with a measure of protection. Unlike subject markers, the RTHL must also meet a third criterion--architectural integrity. Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) markers identify cemeteries which have obtained the HTC designation and whose histories have been researched in detail.
Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 15,000 markers. Seventeen states have used the Texas program as a model; the THC reviews more than 300 marker applications each year.