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Paris council authorizes support for Lake Crook historic-marker application
Summary
The council voted 6-0 to authorize the city manager to execute property-owner authorization supporting a Texas historical marker application for Lake Crook; the Lamar County Historical Commission and the Visitors and Convention Council will provide documentation and application fees.
Paris — The Paris City Council unanimously authorized the city to support a Texas historical marker application for Lake Crook and to allow placement of the marker on city property.
Staff (speaker 9) introduced the request and said local historian Marvin Gortley (speaker 11), introduced by Lisa Archer of the Lamar County Historical Commission, prepared a narrative and will submit the application to the Texas Historical Commission. Archer said the Lamar County Historical Commission reviews and approves marker applications before submission to the state commission; the Visitors and Convention Council has agreed to pay application fees.
In remarks to the council, Marvin Gortley outlined Lake Crook’s history: the lake was built to address the city’s water supply, the city-funded construction was supported by a $1,000,000 bond, Lake Crook became the primary water supply on June 18, 1923, later served as a backup after being replaced in 1968, and was the focus of a citizen-led revitalization after city annexation in 1988. Gortley asked for formal city permission to place a marker on city land, a requirement of the application.
Councilmember motioned to approve the authorization; the motion carried 6-0.
Why it matters: The marker would recognize Lake Crook’s historical role in the city’s water supply and recreation and is part of a partnership among the city, the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors and Convention Council.
Next steps: Staff will provide the signed property-owner authorization as part of the Texas Historical Commission application; the Visitors and Convention Council will supply application fees.
