AUSTIN, Texas —
Making a distinctive mark on Texas history, six Texas businesses join 35 others in receiving the Texas Treasure Business Award for historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth. The new recipients mark the creation of an expanded program administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to recognize the accomplishments of Texas businesses––from small, family-owned operations to food suppliers and financial institutions––that have remained in operation for at least 50 years. Today’s recipients include Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, San Antonio; Frontier Enterprises, San Antonio; Holland Jewelry, Inc., San Angelo; McBride’s Guns, Inc., Austin; PageSoutherlandPage, Austin; and the RK Group, San Antonio.
“It is a privilege to be able to recognize our long-established businesses that have remained committed to Texans for generations, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,” said Texas First Lady Anita Perry. “May this recognition serve to increase your success and productivity for many years to come.”
The Texas Treasure Business Award program pays tribute to companies that are part of Texas history having provided employment opportunities for 50 years or more in Texas, recognizing their exceptional historical contributions toward economic growth and the state’s prosperity. Created in 2005 through legislation authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio), and sponsored by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), the program recognizes well-established Texas companies. The THC is expanding the program, offering special recognition through a public display decal identifying the business as a Texas Treasure. Consumers will know that when they spot the familiar Texas Treasure business icon, they are doing business with a successful, Texas-owned-and-operated company that has long contributed to job growth in the state.
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum in San Antonio was opened by Albert Friedrich in 1881 and became a tourist attraction for its unique collections. Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were said to frequent the establishment. Housed in 1956 in the Old Lone Star Brewery, the collections passed to Friedrich’s heirs, who moved the establishment to its current location on Houston Street.
Frontier Enterprises in San Antonio began as a bike rental and watermelon stand in 1947 and blossomed into a highly successful, privately-owned restaurant company known as Jim’s Coffee Shops, with a reputation for quality food and service.
Holland’s Jewelers of San Angelo has been in operation since 1918, and is widely known as the creator of the “spur clip” produced and patented in 1937 to pay tribute to someone who had “won their spurs.” Numerous related handmade western jewelry items were later introduced by Holland’s greatly expanded manufacturing department, due to the popularity of the spur clip.
McBride’s Guns of Austin has been in the retail sporting goods business since 1960, offering hunting and fishing gear. A family-owned business, McBride’s specializes in high quality sporting, antique, and collectible firearms and fishing lures.
PageSoutherlandPage began as Page Brothers Architects in Austin in 1898. Since then, the firm has grown into an internationally renowned and award-winning architectural and engineering practice. Today, their portfolio includes such notable projects as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Barbara Jordan Terminal, Samsung Semiconductor Fab A2, and Kashm Al Aan Medical Center Master Plan in Saudi Arabia.
Started in 1946 as a small diner and catering service, the RK Group of San Antonio has become an internationally recognized institution, serving Texas governors, American presidents, and international royalty.
“We’re proud of all our historic businesses,” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe, “and there are thousands more deserving this recognition. These are businesses that give back to their communities, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and contributing toward local school activities and other community needs. They provide important goods and services, and are also our friends and neighbors, people we have come to depend on year after year.”
Businesses that can also establish they have been continuously owned by the same family, or have operated continuously from a building that is at least 50 years old, and have maintained its architectural integrity, will receive additional recognition. For more information visit http://www.thc.state.tx.us/awards/awdTxTrsBusAwd.shtml to download a nomination form. For more information call 512.463.6092.
