Jacksonville’s ornament to hang on tree in Austin

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November 24, 2009

Anonymous The Jacksonville Daily Progress Tue Nov 24, 2009, 10:38 PM CST

Special to the Progress

Judy Seamands, of Wallwork by Judy, has created this year’s District 11 ornament to be placed on the Lone Star Celebration Tree at the Capitol in Austin.

Seamands was contacted by State Rep. Chuck Hopson’s office to create an ornament that is uniquely characteristic of the district. The ornament will represent the district on a 24-foot Christmas tree in the House Chamber from Dec. 4 through Jan. 6.

The artwork and significance of Jacksonville’s ornament was described on the submittal by Hopson’s office in this way:

“Jacksonville was given the honor many years ago as being the ‘Tomato Capital of the World,’ producing the largest, reddest, sweetest tomatoes, shipped by rail from rows of tomato sheds lining the tracks. Modern day has stopped most sheds, but not our annual ‘Tomato Fest’ celebration, a festival of history, events and sights.”

The invitation for House members to send a “little piece of their district” came from Julie Straus, wife of House Speaker Joe Straus.

“To make this tree truly representative of Texas, we are sending you the enclosed unadorned ornament and ask that you return it fully decorated with something uniquely characteristic of your district,” Straus wrote.

She said they will photograph and catalog each ornament so visitors can learn its story and so they have a permanent record of this year’s celebration.

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