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Posted: May 24, 2005
Historic Downtown Plano bustled with activity as a stagecoach unloaded
passengers while traveling salesmen plied their wares down the brick-lined
streets past a flock of sheep led into town by calico-gowned farm girls.
Leaning against a building was a merchant, tipping his broad brimmed hat as
the ladies passed by. But this was no ordinary merchant, nor was it early
Plano 1890.
The “merchant” suddenly produced a two-way radio and began
telecommunications with persons across historic Haggard Park. “Go ahead and
start the wagon ride for the home tour…no, I’ll stay here and check on the
music and the gunslingers…but I’ve got to run, I’m needed across the plaza
right now.” And with that, Marcus W. Watson, the newest member of the Texas
Historical Commission, was off doing what he loves best, preserving and
promoting the history of Plano and Texas, this time at the City’s recent
Blacklands Prairie Festival.
While history is Mr. Watson’s first love, May 23, 2005 will definitely go
down in his notebook as a day to be remembered. It was yesterday afternoon
that Governor Rick Perry announced the appointment of six individuals to the
Texas Historical Commission (THC), including Mr. Watson, Plano’s Heritage
Preservation Officer. The Commission works to preserve Texas’ architectural,
archaeological and cultural landmarks.
“I am elated,” said Mr. Watson. “This opportunity is one that I have always
had in my long-term goals and didn’t expect to present itself so soon. Plano
has given me such incredible opportunities to use all my skills as a
preservationist, to develop new ones and continue learning. My program in
school was one of the finest in the country, but no class can teach what you
learn in the real world.”
As one of 17 citizen members who serve staggered six-year terms, Mr. Watson
will be consulting with citizens and organizations to promote continuing
preservation of the historical legacy of Texas. The THC is recognized
nationally for its preservation programs and employs nearly 100 persons who
work in archaeology, architecture, history, economic development, heritage
tourism, public administration and urban planning.
“I was nominated by former State Senator Dan Shelley, Governor Perry’s
Legislative Director,” said Mr. Watson. “He is very interested in historic
preservation and took an interest in my career since day one. Other than
state requirements for Boards and Commissions, there aren’t any requirements
other than an interest in the preservation of the historic sites of our
state. My education and experience in preservation, however, obviously
helped me receive the nomination.”
Mr. Watson received word of his nomination from the Governor’s Appointment
Manager nearly a month ago, but was not permitted to say anything until a
formal announcement was made by the Governor’s Office. Commission
appointments are subject to state senate confirmation, expected shortly.
In addition to being the Heritage Preservation Officer for the City of
Plano, Mr. Watson is a member of the American Planning Association, the
National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Alliance of
Preservation Commissions and the Texas Downtown Association. He also serves
as a volunteer on several regional foundations and preservation task forces
and is a member of Sigma Pi Kappa Historic Preservation Honor Society. A
graduate of Baylor University, he received a Master’s Degree in historic
preservation from the University of Georgia.
The THC administers four historic designation programs: the National
Register of Historic Places; Recorded Texas Historic Landmark; Historic
Texas Cemetery and State Archaeology Landmark. It administers everything
from grants to tax incentives to verifying archaeological sites, mapping out
historical trails and installing historical markers along roadways.
“I will be serving on the 17-member board that oversees the activities of
the state agency,” Mr. Watson advised. “Those activities will include
archaeology, cemeteries, state historical markers, the state courthouse
project, grants, the Main Street program and several historic sites.”
“Congratulations are in order for Marcus,” said Jeff Zimmerman, Plano’s Long
Range Planning Manager. “This represents a tremendous honor for Marcus and
his efforts for historic preservation.”
Mr. Watson will serve on the Commission until February 1, 2011.
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