Moments in Texas History ~ 6/17/2011

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First TSHA annual meeting held in Austin

June 17, 1897

On this day in 1897, the first official annual meeting of the Texas State Historical Association was held in Austin. The association continued to host annual meetings in Austin until 1968, when it gathered in San Antonio in conjunction with HemisFair '68. During the 1970s semi-annual meetings also were held in other Texas cities during the fall to give members in each section of the state a greater opportunity to participate. Since 1970 annual meetings have usually been held in Austin in even-numbered years and in other cities in alternate years. Dudley R. Dobie Sr. helped organize a book auction for the 1941 annual meeting; the auction of donated books, artifacts, and works of art to raise funds for the association's activities is now an important part of each annual meeting.
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Water rises disastrously as rain gluts the Brazos rivershed

June 17, 1899

On this day in 1899, rain began falling on the Brazos River watershed, the beginning of the disastrous Brazos Flood. Over the next eleven days, a total of 8.9 inches fell on more than 66,000 square miles, causing the Brazos to overflow its banks and inundate 12,000 square miles. The known dead number 284, and thousands of others were left homeless. The highest recorded stage was at Hearne, where the water rose above the flood gauges.
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"Thundering Sounds of the West" opens in Palo Duro Canyon

June 17, 1965

On this day in 1965, the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation opened a sound and light show entitled "Thundering Sounds of the West" in an outdoor amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon. The foundation was organized in 1961, with Margaret P. Harper as president, to increase tourism to Palo Duro Canyon State Scenic Park through the presentation of a historical drama. The foundation's primary goal was the construction of the 1,600-seat Pioneer Amphitheatre. "Thundering Sounds of the West" ran until September 6, 1965, and attracted 36,000 visitors. Its success led to the first annual staging of the musical drama Texas the following year.
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posted by Jeff ~6.17.2011 - The Texas State Historical Association