Ms. Pearson:

Historic preservation is one of the most urgent issues facing those of us who treasure our history. In our times it seems that crass commercialism often outweighs the need to make sure future generations understand and keep our history, and politicians and other officials may speak of preserving history but quite often do nothing to do so unless pressured by citizens such as you and your group. I applaud your efforts and assure you that the East Texas Historical Association supports your efforts.

 

As a non-governmental association, the ETHA must take the same actions that you do. But, we do have resources to offer you aid. Here is what the Association can do directly. If you will send me contact information for the public officials involved, I will write a letter stressing the historical importance of the structure. I can also contact members and colleagues in Beaumont and see if I can rally them to the cause. Also, if you have not already done so, I can see if I can enlist support from historians at Lamar that can offer scholarly input as to the historic nature of the building. Information and education is often the best weapon we can use against the destruction of our past.

 

More directly, you should contact the Texas Historical Commission and see what they can do yto help. The most appropriate person for you to contact is Stan Graves, the Director of the THC Division of Architecture. His address is:

 

Stan Graves, AIA, Deputy Executive Director

Director, Division of Architecture

Texas Historical Commission

PO Box 12276

Austin, TX

 

The phone nunber of the THC is 512-463-6100. As an official state agency they can be a great help and can actually order a city not to destroy a structure if it is deemed historically significant. That would take a survey and documentation (which THC and I can help with if the time comes) and it is a long process, but they can perhaps issue a temporary halt to the destruction until such is completed. Call/contact Mr. Graves immediately and see what he advises.

 

Also, keep me informed of the process and what more we can do,