Dateline: September 26, 2002

RO Ranch makes courthouse donation 

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Jean Stavenhagen accepts a check for $1,000 from RO Ranch partner Anne Shelton. Also shown are RO Ranch manager Burl Hollar, courthouse carpenter Ferol Shelton, and County Judge Jack Hall. Enterprise Digital Photo

The RO Ranch and the descendants of W.J. Lewis, Sr., donated $1,000 to the restoration of the Donley County Courthouse this week.

Founded in 1879 by Alfred Rowe, the ranch was one of the earliest in Donley County. Mr. Lewis worked for Rowe and purchased the ranch from Rowe’s estate in 1914 after founder was killed when the Titanic sank.

Lewis’ granddaughter, Anne Shelton, presented the gift to Jean Stavenhagen of the Donley County Historical Commission on behalf of the ranch and the Lewis family and said she hopes other people will make similar contributions.

“This is a very worthwhile project,” Shelton said. “I know some people are squeaking about their taxes, but that’s a short-term thing. It’s important to keep our heritage.”

The local historical commission is currently undertaking a final appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the 1890 Courthouse. Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses are being offered the opportunity to have their names permanently affixed to the wall of the Courthouse lobby. For a donation of $1,000 or more, donors will receive a bronze plaque to commemorate their family or organization.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor your family or business and play an important role in the restoration of the courthouse,” Stavenhagen said.

Families are encouraged to pool their donations in a group effort to honor either their entire family or a pioneer ancestor.

Those wishing to make a donation to the project may send their gift to Courthouse Restoration Fund, PO Box 905, Clarendon, TX 79226. A form will be provided for $1,000 donors to specify what they would like to have on their plaque. For more information contact Jean Stavenhagen at 874-3905.