History of the
Taylor County Historical Commission
In the late seventies this group was named
the Taylor County Historical Commission, sharing the name of the larger statewide body
known as the Texas Historical Commission.
Before that it was called the "survey
committee", and it was begun in the middle 1950s by the late Mrs. Dallas Scarborough.
Since those days its members have included some of the outstanding citizens of Abilene and
Taylor County.
The Commission has been responsible for a
steady stream of historical markers, and during the five years of Mrs. Maxine Perini's
chairmanship, from 1967 through 1971, there were 22 historical markers placed in the
county. During the years Mrs. Perini was chairperson, she had the invaluable assistance of
two prominent Abilene historians, Dr. Rupert Richardson, professor of history, and later,
president of Hardin Simmons University, and Robert Wagstaff, local attorney. During Mrs.
Perini's term the Commission was honored twice by the state as an outstanding committee.
Also, through the efforts of Kay Dillard and
her late husband, Richard, the Taylor County Commission became the first in the state to
set up bylaws. Under these bylaws, the Commission began electing its chairpersons.
Previously, county commissioners had appointed the chairman.
The 53 markers in Taylor County tell the
story of buffalo herds, skirmishes between pony soldiers and Indians, stage coaches and
mail routes, early day cemeteries, and how the railroad inched westward. The markers tell
of early schools and churches, of landmarks, events and people.
The Commission has other chores as well. It
hosts tours and events that focus a spotlight on the county's history, that give the
citizens a chance to meet some unusual and interesting historic figures, and exhibit
treasures from the past.
The Maxine Perini Award
The Maxine Perini Award recognizes
outstanding service to Taylor County in the preservation of its history and the promotion
of historical events. The Taylor County Historical Commission has recognized these
individuals as Maxine Perini Award Winners:
1995 - Maxine Perini
1996 - Vernon Williams
1997 - Ann White
1998 - Jim Bucherie
1999 - Jack Holden
2000 - R. Lee Rode
2001 - Anita Lane
2002 - L.D. (Denny) McFarland
2003 - Juanita Zachry
2004 - John C Stowe
2005 - Cherry Gleason
2006 - Karen Turner2005 - Cherry Gleason
2007 - Larry Abrigg
