[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO CALABOOSE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2006

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Calaboose 
African-American Museum in San Marcos, Texas, for its role in 
representing the many historical achievements and contributions of 
African-Americans to the State of Texas in the past century.
  The Calaboose African-American Museum is located in a small, modest 
building that was the first jail in Hays County. The Calaboose was 
built in 1973 during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War as a 
jail, and its function changed over the years to a United Service 
Organization office for African-American men in the World War II 
period. It was designated as a museum by the San Marcos City Council 
through a petition drive started by Johnnie Armstead, one of the San 
Marcos community leaders, in 1997. The museum was established to focus 
on the local African-American history in San Marcos.
  The museum contains several exhibits, including one on the Buffalo 
Soldiers, who helped settle the Texas Frontier after the Civil War. It 
also profiles well-known citizens of San Marcos such as Eddie Durham, 
who was one of the preeminent musicians in the jazz era. Mr. Durham was 
born in San Marcos in 1906, and grew up in San Marcos, and then spent 
the rest of his life traveling through the United States and Europe 
until his death in New York City in 1987. He was also the inventor of 
the amplified guitar. His instruments can be seen in his exhibit at the 
Calaboose African-American Museum in San Marcos.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 
Calaboose African-American Museum for its role in recording the history 
of the African-American community in the City of San Marcos in the 
great State of Texas.

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