Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2005

Re-Dedication scheduled for Sam Rayburn Memorial Highway

(McKinney, TX) – Forty-three years after the first ribbon cutting, a re-dedication will take place to name 121 North through Melissa and Anna the Sam Rayburn Memorial Highway. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 10 am in the parking lot of the West Shady Gove Baptist Church on the Collin and Fannin County Lines.

In 1962, a stretch of S.H. 121 from U.S. 75 into Fannin County was named after U.S. Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, but signs were never established. "We have a picture of the original dedication back in 1962 but no one can recall any signs being placed. Historian Helen Hall brought it to my attention and it’s been an interesting project to work on," Commissioner Joe Jaynes stated.

Rayburn was elected to Congress in 1913 and served as a representative for 48 years, 17 of which were as Speaker of the House. He was never opposed for reelection and is widely regarded as the most effective Speaker of the House in American history. According to the 1962 Collin County Commissioners Court Order, Rayburn also receives credit for bringing farm to market roads, a reliable water supply and electricity to Collin County.

U.S. Representative Ralph Hall will speak at the dedication. "It’s particularly good to have Congressman Hall attend," Jaynes stated, "He attended the 1962 ceremony and had just been elected to the Texas state senate." At the ceremony, the new sign will be unveiled and in case of rain the ceremony will be moved inside the church.

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A printer-friendly invitation is also available.