The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

“I will continue doing Orange County history until the day I am history,” said Dr. Howard C. Williams when he was honored by the Orange County Commissioners Court declaring Monday “Dr. Howard C. Williams Day.”

Williams was honored for serving over 20 years as chairman of the Orange County Historical Commission. He is stepping down and retiring from his position. Commissioners named Williams as chairman emeritus.

Commissioners also reappointed members of the historical commission and added two new members: Bo Henley of Orangefield and Angela Johnson, who is currently an employee of the veterans’ service office as a case worker.

The proclamation, read by County Commissioner Precinct 1 David Dubose, stated Williams came to Orange as a World War II veteran to practice medicine. We developed a passion for local history in the mid-1960s. “He put all of his energy into both pursuits to the benefit of Orange County for over 50 years,” said Dubose. Williams has been the guiding force of the Orange County Historical Commission, whose research and documentation has led to the award of over 40 state historical markers in Orange County.

Williams has written articles for “Las Sabinas,” the Orange County Historical Commission’s publication. Ae has also written, edited and published two books on Orange County’s history, “Gateway to Texas” and “Picturing Orange.”

“We urge all citizens to acknowledge all that he’s done for Orange County and wish him Godspeed in the future,” read Dubose.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate the honor,” said Williams.

When asked by Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux what possessed him to go into history, Williams replied, “I have no earthly idea.”

“I was wondering how you developed yourself into a historian,” said Thibodeaux.

“I was always kind of interested in history, Texas history,” said Howard. “A good history, you edit it, you don’t write it. My project was just to record it for future generations.”

Commissioners reappointed the following to the Orange County Historical Commission: Jerry Pennington, chairman; Betty Harmon, vice chair; Nancy Peveto, vice chair; Dorothy Meadows, secretary; Karen Maddux, recording secretary; Dr. Howard C Williams, chairman emeritus; Granvel Block, Florence Craig, Mark Dunn, Dr. Robert Finch, John King, Jean Long, Mike Louviere, Wayne Prouse Margaret Toal, Juanita Torongo and Leslie Williams. New appointees Bo Henley and Angela Johnson join them.

Commissioner Precinct 4 Jody Crump said he appreciated the members taking their time to serve on the committee.

Dr. Howard C. Williams accepts proclaimation from the Orange County Commissioners Court proclaiming December 10th in his name. RECORD PHOTO: Penny LeLeux