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Erath County Historical Commission reviews marker upkeep, education projects and travel plans
Summary
At its March 17 meeting the Erath County Historical Commission reviewed marker maintenance and potential new markers, discussed a donated blacksmithing collection and a junior-high archaeology dig, and approved routine business including sending two members to the THC Real Places Conference.
The Erath County Historical Commission used its March 17 meeting to review marker work, community projects and administrative planning.
Cindy Shipman reported the markers committee knew of no new marker applications pending for spring but cautioned that portal submissions sometimes arrive unexpectedly; the submission deadline is in May. Candidates discussed for new or refreshed markers included Kahey Cabin Farm in Bluff Dale and Mount Pleasant Cemetery; the commission also noted planned refresh work for markers at Edna Hill, Stephenville Methodist Church and the Erath County Courthouse, pending Judge Huckabee’s availability to assist with courthouse work alongside Secretary Janae Smith. The Hannibal Church marker needs a line removed and resubmitted, and a Harbin marker is currently at the foundry.
The commission approved the previous meeting’s minutes on a motion by Cathey Hartmann, seconded by Terry Gibbs, by unanimous vote. Commissioners thanked Karen Wright for hosting the meeting at the Blackjack Office Center in Dublin.
Under notable business, members discussed the 2027 budget-request timeline (requests due in August for approval by October), positive feedback on the CLIO tour organized by Ben Pate, and a proposal Larry Smith raised about contacting county commissioners to fund purchase of a cemetery- and marker-service trailer with tools and supplies. Dan Young outlined plans for a junior-high archaeology dig involving local schools; location and partner organizations were discussed but not finalized.
The commission noted a donation of blacksmith equipment to the Dublin Museum from John Wirtner of Edna Hill, plans for Janae Smith to work with Tarleton cadets on Oak Dale Cemetery war-marker preservation and the process for asking inactive members whether they wish to remain on the commission. Old-business updates included TxDOT approval for Duffau Creek bridge adoption (start date pending), unresolved placement for an America 250 plaque because DAR is reluctant to use the Jones Center, and confirmation that Commissioners Court approved sending the ECHC Marker/Cemetery Chair and ECHC Secretary to the THC Real Places Conference in Austin (April 8–10). The next ECHC meeting is set for May 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Erath County Courthouse.
Minutes record attendance and actions but do not attach project budgets, route maps or the cemetery-protection report discussed elsewhere in the meeting.
