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Richmond Mayor celebrated for legacy
Hilmar G. Moore has served nearly six decades as mayor of Richmond and will be honored with a City celebration, special luncheon and life-size statute in tribute to his leadership.
The luncheon, hosted by the Richmond-Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Safari Texas Ranch. Sponsors of the event include Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP and Greg Ordeneaux, candidate for county commissioner.
The event will feature a networking reception followed by a noon luncheon in Moore’s honor.
Lynne Humphries, chair-elect of the board of directors of the Chamber will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event, and County Treasurer Jeff Council will offer the invocation. Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, also will be on hand to pay tribute to the long-time mayor.
Rosenberg Mayor Joe Gurecky, Roland Adamson of the George Foundation, and Dan McDonald of Anco Wessendorf Insurance also will pay special tribute to Moore during the event.
The City’s celebration in honor of Moore is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3.
First elected in 1949, Moore is considered a celebrity by many in Fort Bend County.
Born in Richmond, Moore was elected to fill an unexpired two-year term. Now, nearly 59 years later, he is thought to be not only the longest continuously serving mayor in the State of Texas, but also in the Nation.
Moore has worn many other hats through the years, including decorated veteran of World War II, an award-winning cattle rancher, and a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
The Moore Family arrived in Texas as pioneers in 1822 in search of a better life, led by Stephen F. Austin. Decades later, many of his family members still live in Fort Bend County.
Moore was born July 28, 1920 to parents, John M. Moore, Jr. and wife, Dorethea. His birth took place in the left front bedroom of what is now known as “The Moore Home” at 406 Fifth St. The historic home is operated by the Fort Bend Museum Association.
His father was a Fort Bend County judge, and his grandfather - a congressman and a Jaybird Democrat, whose peers were victorious in the Jaybird Woodpecker War in 1888.
Moore and his older brother, John III, began working in the family cattle business at a young age and soon took over the operation.
As a young man, Moore had aspirations of entering the legal profession and attended the University of Texas School of Law. But duty called, and he left in 1942 to join the Army Air Corps, becoming an aircraft navigator. He was stationed in the Pacific with the Fourth Sea Rescue Squadron during the Battle of Saipan, and was awarded three air medals and four battle stars for his heroic service.
Not long after the decorated veteran returned home from the war, his fellow Rotarians approached him and requested him to fill the post of the soon-to-be-vacated Mayor of the county seat.
Moore sought the advice of his father, who had served in the post in the 1930s. The elder Moore encouraged his son, only 29 at the time, to accept the position, not imagining that his son would still hold the position 59 years later.
During Moore’s tenure, 11 presidents have led the United States and 11 governors have led the State of Texas since Moore first took office. When Moore was first elected, the minimum wage was 40 cents an hour, gasoline was 26 cents a gallon, bread was 14 cents a loaf, a postage stamp was 3 cents, an average new car cost $1,650 and the average home cost $14,500.
As mayor, Moore implemented the very first police department for the city, and has seen the population of Richmond grow from 2,026 at that time, to more than 13,000 today, while still maintaining its small town-friendly spirit.
The list of honors, awards, and accolades bestowed upon Moore for serving his country, working in the cattle industry, and leading his city and community are numerous. But his role in his family is more precious to him then others.
Hilmar and his first wife, Kelley Peareson Moore were blessed with three sons, Hilmar, Jr., Philip, and Jack. Philip was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1977, and his wife, Kelley, died in 1982. In 1984, Moore married Evalyn Wendt and has been quoted as saying that the marriage was “something of a happy surprise to both of them”. His growing clan now also includes six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Also in honor of the historic occasion of Mayor Moore’s record-setting tenure in his elected post, a life-size sculpture, created by internationally-known sculptor, Bob Pack will be placed in the Plaza in Downtown Richmond. The sculpture will be surrounded by a landscaped area with benches and a walking path.
The Historic Richmond Association is selling pavers in two sizes that can be inscribed, and will be incorporated into the Plaza. The pavers can be purchased at the luncheon or by contacting Mary Doetterl at 281-762-6896.
Reservations for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members, guests, or prospective members.
After Sept. 10 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged.
Corporate tables and sponsor opportunities are also available. For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email jdowell@roserichchamber.org.
The luncheon, hosted by the Richmond-Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Safari Texas Ranch. Sponsors of the event include Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP and Greg Ordeneaux, candidate for county commissioner.
The event will feature a networking reception followed by a noon luncheon in Moore’s honor.
Lynne Humphries, chair-elect of the board of directors of the Chamber will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event, and County Treasurer Jeff Council will offer the invocation. Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, also will be on hand to pay tribute to the long-time mayor.
Rosenberg Mayor Joe Gurecky, Roland Adamson of the George Foundation, and Dan McDonald of Anco Wessendorf Insurance also will pay special tribute to Moore during the event.
The City’s celebration in honor of Moore is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3.
First elected in 1949, Moore is considered a celebrity by many in Fort Bend County.
Born in Richmond, Moore was elected to fill an unexpired two-year term. Now, nearly 59 years later, he is thought to be not only the longest continuously serving mayor in the State of Texas, but also in the Nation.
Moore has worn many other hats through the years, including decorated veteran of World War II, an award-winning cattle rancher, and a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
The Moore Family arrived in Texas as pioneers in 1822 in search of a better life, led by Stephen F. Austin. Decades later, many of his family members still live in Fort Bend County.
Moore was born July 28, 1920 to parents, John M. Moore, Jr. and wife, Dorethea. His birth took place in the left front bedroom of what is now known as “The Moore Home” at 406 Fifth St. The historic home is operated by the Fort Bend Museum Association.
His father was a Fort Bend County judge, and his grandfather - a congressman and a Jaybird Democrat, whose peers were victorious in the Jaybird Woodpecker War in 1888.
Moore and his older brother, John III, began working in the family cattle business at a young age and soon took over the operation.
As a young man, Moore had aspirations of entering the legal profession and attended the University of Texas School of Law. But duty called, and he left in 1942 to join the Army Air Corps, becoming an aircraft navigator. He was stationed in the Pacific with the Fourth Sea Rescue Squadron during the Battle of Saipan, and was awarded three air medals and four battle stars for his heroic service.
Not long after the decorated veteran returned home from the war, his fellow Rotarians approached him and requested him to fill the post of the soon-to-be-vacated Mayor of the county seat.
Moore sought the advice of his father, who had served in the post in the 1930s. The elder Moore encouraged his son, only 29 at the time, to accept the position, not imagining that his son would still hold the position 59 years later.
During Moore’s tenure, 11 presidents have led the United States and 11 governors have led the State of Texas since Moore first took office. When Moore was first elected, the minimum wage was 40 cents an hour, gasoline was 26 cents a gallon, bread was 14 cents a loaf, a postage stamp was 3 cents, an average new car cost $1,650 and the average home cost $14,500.
As mayor, Moore implemented the very first police department for the city, and has seen the population of Richmond grow from 2,026 at that time, to more than 13,000 today, while still maintaining its small town-friendly spirit.
The list of honors, awards, and accolades bestowed upon Moore for serving his country, working in the cattle industry, and leading his city and community are numerous. But his role in his family is more precious to him then others.
Hilmar and his first wife, Kelley Peareson Moore were blessed with three sons, Hilmar, Jr., Philip, and Jack. Philip was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1977, and his wife, Kelley, died in 1982. In 1984, Moore married Evalyn Wendt and has been quoted as saying that the marriage was “something of a happy surprise to both of them”. His growing clan now also includes six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Also in honor of the historic occasion of Mayor Moore’s record-setting tenure in his elected post, a life-size sculpture, created by internationally-known sculptor, Bob Pack will be placed in the Plaza in Downtown Richmond. The sculpture will be surrounded by a landscaped area with benches and a walking path.
The Historic Richmond Association is selling pavers in two sizes that can be inscribed, and will be incorporated into the Plaza. The pavers can be purchased at the luncheon or by contacting Mary Doetterl at 281-762-6896.
Reservations for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members, guests, or prospective members.
After Sept. 10 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged.
Corporate tables and sponsor opportunities are also available. For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email jdowell@roserichchamber.org.
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