(CAMERON)  Monday made history in the life of this town and its people.  More than a thousand people filled the downtown square for the dedication of Cameron’s new City Hall/McLane Municipal Center.    Funded by the McLane family, the old Green building that stood at the corner of First and Houston since 1891, was reconstructed and given to the city as a gift from Drayton McLane Jr. and his family.   Among those in attendance for Monday’s dedication was our 47^th State Governor Rick Perry. 

Drayton McLane Jr. told the crowd that Cameron holds a special place in the lives of his family.  Other McLane family members attending Monday’s ceremony were Mrs. Jo Ann McLane McLerran and her son and daughter Bob and Janet and their families;  Mrs. Kate McLane Dimmitt, her daughter Kate and her family;  McLane’s wife Elizabeth, and their son Drayton III of Dallas.  Their son Denton McLane and his wife Amy of Alabama were unable to attend.

The McLane family spent almost a million dollars reconstructing the 3-story downtown landmark.  The building stood vacant for years, was targeted for demolition after the north wall buckled and the structure was termed unsafe.  McLane thanked long-time Cameron resident Kathleen Stewart who first contacted him about saving the building. 

Mayor James Lafferty accepted the gift from the McLanes and read a proclamation honoring the McLanes family.

Another special guest in attendance Monday was State Senator Steve Ogden who presented the city with a Texas Flag that was flown over the state capitol on March 26^th. 

Also attending Monday was project architect Charles Voelter, and Temple Mayor Keefer Marshall and his wife Sammie.

Following the short program Monday, refreshments were served, and tours of the new City Hall were given.  The furnishings and computers in the new city hall were funded by the Williams Foundation.