The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957 Page: 306

rtexas Collectiao
H. BAILEY CARROLL
TEXAs newspapers play a vital role in making citizens in
the state conscious of the importance of preserving the
shrines and documents of Texas history. An editorial in
the Houston Post on April 21, 1956, calls attention to the fact
that many priceless Texas landmarks have been neglected com-
pletely and are in a bad state of repair at the present time. Joseph
Wearden, president of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, observes
that, "We have failed sadly in the upkeep and preservation of
these shrines. For all her traditional fame for doing things in a
bigger and better way, Texans cannot boast here."
The present condition of historical shrines is such that the only
alternatives left are either restoration or abandonment. President
Wearden observes that abandonment will take place unless Texans
arouse themselves to greater interest, and "if past performance is
any criterion, we may well wonder if any of these shrines will
still be in existence when Texas celebrates her bicentennial."
The statements made by the president of the Sons of the Re-
public should arouse the historical interest of all Texans. The
Houston Post comments:
This is a stinging challenge to Texas patriotism. And it comes from
an authoritative source. As president of the Sons of the Republic
Mr. Wearden has spent much time visiting the historic spots over the
state, and much effort encouraging the preservation of the shrines.
The chief trouble is that state appropriations have not been suf-
ficient to keep up the shrines in parks which the state accepted, as-
suming the obligation of their maintenance. Many of the monuments
have been neglected and are in a bad state of repair. Many have been
disfigured by vandals and the elements. Some historical markers have
disappeared.
A few instances of neglect and deterioration in this part of the state
are the old missions around Goliad, rich in historic interest; old
Washington-on-the-Brazos, where Texas independence was declared;
Sam Houston's old home at Huntsville, old Independence, and In-
dianola. There are many others.