ABOUT THE COMMISSION

Taylor County Historical Commission Organizational History

The Taylor County Historical Commission was founded in the mid-1950s by Mrs. Dallas Scarborough as the Taylor County historical Survey Committee. In the 1970s the group was chaired by Maxine Perini and renamed the Taylor County Historical Commission, sharing the name of the larger statewide body known as the Texas Historical Commission.

The Taylor County Historical 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. Those historians were Dr. Rupert Richardson, president of Hardin Simmons University and local attorney Robert Wagstaff. 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 husband, Richard Dillard, 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 commission has other responsibilities 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.