Welcome to
the Live Oak County
Historical Commission
Live Oak County Judge Jim Huff and Ross Harris, Chairperson for the Live Oak County Historical Commission (LOCHC), extend a hearty welcome to this website. Interested persons and current LOCHC Appointees are invited to each of the quarterly meetings conducted during 2020.
Live Oak County Historical Commission Meetings in 2020
February 3, Quarterly LOCHC meeting, Dobie West Performing Arts Theatre, George West, TX. 5:30 PM.
April 20, Monday Quarterly LOCHC meeting, SouthTrustBank, George West, 5:30 PM.
July 20, Monday Quarterly LOCHC meeting, SouthTrust Bank, George West, TX, 5:30 PM.
October 19, Monday Quarterly LOCHC meeting, SouthTrustBank, George West, TX, 5:30 PM.
Based on the COVID-19 quarantine, the LOCHC suspends meetings and public events until such time as it is safe again. We extend support to you and your families in this crisis. We further extend support for those in necessary and voluntary positions to support us all. This site continues to update and give you more history of Live Oak County. May each of you be safe and healthy.
News Flash!! Texas Historical Marker application window begins April 1 and ends at 2:00 PM CST on June 15, 2020. Submission of Live Oak County Courthouse and Historic Texas Cemetery - George West Cemetery applications will be submitted in this 2020 window. 2019 Markers are now waiting their turn at the foundry. These are: Victoriano and Prisciliano Chapa and George West First Baptist Church.
Live Oak County Historical Commission exists to serve citizens of Live Oak County-Past, Present, Future and all interested in the rich Ranch and Farm history of Live Oak County.
Geronimo, famous international Longhorn icon, preserved since 1927 in George West, Texas.
Photo courtesy Mary Margaret Dougherty Campbell.
Geronimo, historic international Longhorn icon, observed by tourists as they pass through George West, Texas. Since 1927, Geronimo has stood within a glass corral on the courthouse lawn of Live Oak County's county seat. Known to be George West's (traildriver and rancher who founded the town) favorite lead steer.
Geronimo's image was preserved by West's nephew, Albert West, soon after the steer saw his last days. Geronimo's mount traveled as far as Moscow representing Texas in America's 1976 Bicentennial Exposition. Geronimo has been immortalized in books and movies and continues to exemplify the Longhorn and Cowboy mystique today. Though cattlemen and cattlewomen of the West feared Longhorn extinction at the time Geronimo was preserved, Texas Longhorn herds now live in countries across the world.
The Live Oak County Historical Commission (LOCHC) exists to preserve the rich heritage of Live Oak County and its part in historic preservation not only at home, but in the state of Texas and our nation. The Commission develops local programs and cooperates with other community organizations to encourage understanding and appreciation of Live Oak County's historical significance. Appointees apply and are approved by the Live Oak County Commissioners' Court. Meetings are held quarterly on the third Monday unless announced otherwise above. The public is invited. Each meeting begins at 5:30 PM and ends sometime soon after 7:00 PM.
In 2010 with the appointment of a new Marker Chair, the LOCHC began efforts to revitalize the organization which had become inactive. By 2012, Judge Huff and the Commissioner's Court appointed ten more applicants. First efforts were directed toward honoring historical persons, buildings, and events that deserved Texas Historical Markers which tell their stories for perpetuity.
The organiztion matured and planted thirteen additional markers, with 2 more ready for 2019, and 3 pending 2020 THC Board approval. Archeology, Cemetery, Education, Oral History, Publicity, and Website chairs have active committees and continue historical recognition in numerous county and state events. These include: appropriate relocation of Patrick Allen Randel (Narcotic Agent felled in 1974) monument, Wreaths Across Amerca, Historic Texas Cemetery Designation, reconstructing Geronimo Memorial Site, Chisholm Trail Celebration, Visit to J. Frank Dobie original ranch, and numerous others.
The THC requests each biennium appointment be finalized in the early months of a new biennium. If you are interested in working with us in the 2021-2022 biennium, please consider obtaining an application from Judge Jim Huff's office in the courthouse on Houston Street in George West, Texas.
2019-2020 Officers and Committee Chairpersons
Ross Harris, Chairperson
Mary Margaret Dougherty Campbell: Vice Chair, Hospitality Chair
Glynis Strause: Secretary, Oral History Chair
Leslie Walker, Treasurer
Richard "Hud" Hudson: Marker Chair, Publicity Chair
Jim Warren, Archaeology Chair
Sherry Kosarek, Cemetery Chair
Bernadette Cordona Gibson, Education Chair
Janis Hudson, Webmaster
Appointees
Nancy Coquat
Drusanne Hunter
Bernard Lemley
Robin Dawson McKinney
Charles (Gipper) Nelson
Cindi Robinson
Charlotte Schroeder
Peggy Skoruppa
Grace Wilson
Associate Appointees
Emeritus Appointees
Sue Denniston
Virginia Horton
Betty Lyne
Sue Nance
Live Oak County Courthouse
The Honorable Jim Huff, County Judge for Live Oak County, welcomes you to the Live Oak County Historical Commission (LOCHC) Website. The Live Oak County Historical Commission is an arm of the Live Oak County Commissioners' Court; appointees are selected at the beginning of odd numbered years and serve two year terms. Judge Huff and the Live Oak County Commissioners support and approve actions of the LOCHC in coordination with the Texas Historical Commission (THC).
Live Oak County Commissioners:
Precinct 1: Richard Lee
Precinct 2: Donna Kopplin Mills
Precinct 3: Willie James
Precinct 4: Emilio Garza
The Commissioner's Court is committed to the preservation of our county's history. Judge Huff and your local commissioner welcome suggestions.
The Honorable Jim Huff, Live Oak County Judge.
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