[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO THE CITIZENS OF MARFA, TX

                                 ______


                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 1995
  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I stand before my colleagues today to pay a 
tribute to the citizens of Marfa, TX for their courage and commitment 
in the face of adversity. Recently, the community suffered a tremendous 
loss when an important, historical building on Marfa's main street was 
devastated by fire.
  For more than half a century, the old building was part of Marfa's 
landscape. At the time of the fire, the city hall, the police 
department and emergency medical services were located in the building. 
It also housed most of Marfa's important records. Not only did the fire 
ruin these important offices and documents, but it also destroyed a 
piece of the town's history.
  Although most of you have never been to Marfa, you might recall the 
town as the setting of the famous silver-screen classic, ``Giant.'' One 
of the landmarks from the movie, the Palace Theater, also suffered 
extensive smoke and water damage. However, the destruction this fire 
caused hasn't slowed the town down one bit.
  The fire occurred even as Marfa was preparing for a big spring 
festival celebrating ``Giant.'' Yet, instead of letting the fire ruin 
their celebration, the citizens of Marfa have pulled together to repair 
and restore the Palace Theater in time for the May event.
  Since the fire, the town has pretty much returned to business as 
usual, although that business is being taken care of in temporary 
offices. This would not have been possible without the outpouring of 
help and generosity from so many Marfa citizens. Special thanks goes to 
Marfa Mayor Fritz Kahl, whose leadership and determination helped the 
folks of Marfa pull together to get through this sad situation. In 
addition, such people as County Judge Jake Brisbin Jr., Glenn Garcia, 
Abe Gonzalez, David and Ellen Kimble, Judy Ledbetter, Charles Mertz, 
Teryn Muench, Floyd Neal, Carolyn and Bill Renfroe, Blaine Shuffield, 
Rusty Taylor and many others have made this situation a lot more 
bearable for the town. The services offered by the Big Bend Regional 
Medical Center and the Marfa Border Patrol Sector were also very 
helpful.
  And the generosity didn't stop at the Marfa City limits. Folks from 
other west Texas towns came to lend a helping hand and bring extra 
emergency equipment. Firefighters from Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Fort 
Davis valiantly fought the blaze right alongside the Marfa Volunteer 
Fire Department. The spirit of comradery in west Texas is unmatched.
  I salute the citizens of Marfa for preserving their history and 
protecting their future. Although a fire destroyed documents and a 
historical building, it could never shatter the spirit of pride and 
optimism which runs deep in the hearts of Texans.


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