Meritt Drane receives official Texas historical marker

Corsicana Daily Sun, Texas
·2 min read

Nov. 2—CORSICANA, Tx. — The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized Meritt Drane as a significant part of Texas history by awarding an Official Texas Historical Marker. The marker honors Meritt Drane (1837-1895), a prominent civic and business leader in Navarro County history.

A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held on Saturday, November 4th, 2pm at the State Home Cemetery Park (410 N. 45th Street). Speakers for the afternoon will include Lynn Taylor, representing the State Home Alumni Association and Wayne Rogers, the historian who researched Meritt Drane's life and many contributions to Navarro County and Corsicana, and co-sponsored the historical marker. Meritt Drane's descendants will be on hand to unveil the marker. The Navarro County Historical Commission welcomes the public to share in and witness this exciting historical event.

"The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation," said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. "Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state's history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources," Wolfe said.

A subject qualifies for a marker if two basic criteria are met: historical significance and age. Historical significance is established by reviewing its role and importance in local history, and the age requirement depends on the topic. The THC's Official Texas Marker Policies are outlined in the Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures, which may be obtained by contacting the History Programs Division, Texas Historical Commission, at 512/463-5853 or visiting the web site at www.thc.texas.gov.

"It is vital that as we move forward, we do not forget our past. This Texas Historical Marker provides awareness in the community of our fascinating history, and it will help promote local tourism," said Dr. MaryJane McReynolds, Chair of the Navarro County Historical Commission.

Meritt Drane was an active civic and business leader in Corsicana and Navarro County. He was involved in several successful businesses, and he was instrumental in bringing the State Home to Corsicana in 1889.

Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 15,000 markers. Seventeen states have used the Texas program as a model; the THC reviews more than 300 marker applications each year.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.