Texas Folklore Society Day

The Texas Folklore Society recently received recognition from the Senate of the State of Texas. Senate Resolution No. 400 recognizes April 10, 2009, as Texas Folklore Society Day in honor of the Texas Folklore Society’s 100^th anniversary. The resolution states: “By recording and preserving Texas life as expressed in folklore, the Texas Folklore Society is providing a valuable resource for future generations of Texans….”

The Texas Folklore Society, founded at the University of Texas in 1909, has been headquartered at Stephen F. Austin State University since 1971. The society’s annual meeting will be held this year in Nacogdoches on April 9 through 11.

The society is dedicated to preserving and presenting the legends, customs, beliefs, superstitions, songs, and crafts of Texas and the Southwest. Prominent members of the organization have included such popular figures as J. Frank Dobie, Walter Prescott Web, Dorothy Scarborough, Harry Ransom, and SFA’s own English Professor F. E. Abernethy (retired).

Congratulations from Governor Perry

The society also received official recognition and congratulations from Governor Rick Perry stating: “Texas is nothing if not a state of tall tales, impressive yarns and sweeping stories about larger-than-life characters. Allowing those tales to fade in the mists of time would be a severe blow to our cultural identity as Texans. Your good work has helped ensure these stories will be passed on to future generations.”