Marie Carmel and Steve Wechsler (209 W. 39th) wanted a neighborhood close to the University, like the ones they had lived in, which were diverse and enlightened. They did not know the politics of religion in Texas or its history in Hyde Park, but when they learned that this neighborhood was threatened to lose that diversity and enlightenment, they fought with the same zeal and fervor that the Reverend Henry Sears must have had when he addressed members of the Texas Senate.

    It is the same spirit that has encouraged Anne Hebert and Garland Turner to invest their time in a creating a home at 4112 Ave. D that is the epitome of "front porch friendly." Although comparatively new to Hyde Park, they too have seen something in this neighborhood that has inspired them to create a home for their family. Their labor of love for the last three years is nearly ready to move in and we all expect to watch yet another family grow in our midst.

    Okay, you ask, how did the tour do? It did a great job of reminding us and showing others what our neighborhood is about. It reminded us that promoting the things that make up the character of our neighborhood, builds value for now and for posterity. In the last thirty years this neighborhood has rebuilt itself, and it was the efforts of people you know. They are the leaders of your neighborhood.

    Lastly, let us not forget the one home on the tour that will last forever. When Elisabet Ney moved here in 1891, she wanted to be part of starting a new neighborhood, a new city, and a new state. Her home and studio Formosa was on the tour to remind us that we are artists and citizens in search of enlightenment. That is why we have worked to preserve the spirit of the people that created this neighborhood as well as the homes.

    As you rode the carriages and listened to the stories you could feel good about the connection to these people. And as you listened to the poets and the musicians on the Ney grounds, you could feel the spirit that those people instilled here in our neighborhood.

    Hyde Park deserved to celebrate thirty years of successful Touring. Everyone who participated came away with a feeling of accomplishment. There are so many people to thank that I lack space to do it here, but you all know who you are, and what you did. So to all, a hearty "Thank You."

    And thank you in particular for affording me the honor of serving as Tour Chair for the past two years. I will long remember the thirtieth anniversary Tour of an organization I am proud to have been part of.