PRESIDIO COUNTY — After Presidio County Historical Commission (PCHC) Chair Rod Ponton faced questions from an attendee at the February 10 candidate forum about lack of information about the commission and its meetings, Ponton has responded by pledging to be more open with communication on its meetings and welcoming individuals interested in participating in the body’s work.
Ponton, who also serves as county attorney, noted that the PCHC works with the Texas Historical Commission “to develop historical markers, preserve historical sites, and also works on special projects like seeking funding for restoring the Presidio County Courthouse from the THC Courthouse Preservation Fund.”
Ponton said the commission plans to submit applications for historical subject markers for: the story of La Junta near the confluence of the Rio Conchos and Rio Grande; Shafter to tell the story of the area and another to tell the story of silver mining there; a marker north of Shafter at “Cibolo Rock” (currently Elephant Rock); Redford to tell the story of the missions established there in 1682, and again in the 1700s; and the Spencer Ranch (El Indio) between Presidio and Ruidosa to tell the story of John Spencer and the area.”
“We would also like a marker to commemorate the tragedy of the death of Esequiel Hernandez Jr.,” the 18-year-old Presidio High School student shot by Marines in 1997, Ponton said. The PCHC also assists the Friends of the Ruidosa Church nonprofit with its restoration work of the historic adobe church in Ruidosa, he said.
The commission submits applications for each marker to the THC for approval. Anyone can submit an application for a topic marker, a historic cemetery or a landmark, but the applications must meet THC guidelines and receive approval from the PCHC chair before heading to the state.
The most recent marker applications were discussed at a February 9 meeting of the PCHC in Presidio. The commission usually meets four times a year, and while Ponton said the last meeting was only posted on the county annex in Presidio, he intends to let interested parties know in advance to get more public participation. The county judge’s office also said it would post meetings online if it receives notice.
Ponton said membership on the PCHC is somewhat informal, but that the chair must be appointed by the commissioners court. Current active participants, he said, include: Mona Garcia, Tony Manriquez, Elbert Bassham, Genevieve Bassham, Charlie Angell and Mike Green. Other members also attend as time permits.
“I welcome anyone who wants to help illuminate the rich history of Presidio County to contact the PCHC and submit a marker application,” Ponton said. Marker applications are due by March 15, and Ponton can be reached at pontonrod@gmail.com