Bonham, Texas -- The City of Bonham paused Monday, May 17, 2021 to recognize Emily Porter, a devoted advocate for Bonham who has been a staunch and dedicated promoter of tourism in the area for 46 years.
Porter started working in tourism with the opening of the Sam Rayburn House in 1975 as the chairman of approximately 100 volunteer guides. From there, it was on to Fort Inglish where she would lend a helping hand and eventually become President of the Board of Directors. In 1986, Porter was asked to serve on the Tourism Advisory Board of the City of Bonham where she was in charge of event planning and, with the retirement of Mildred Welch, advanced to chairman.
Since 2010 the City of Bonham has produced events from an office in the Bonham Visitor Information Center, where Porter has been a step-on guide for bus tours, greeted visitors and provided detailed information about popular tourist sites in Bonham.
On Monday, friends, family, community leaders gathered in Bonham Visitors Center -- a building that years ago Porter realized would be vital to historic downtown Bonham and encouraged the city to purchase -- and expressed their gratitude for those many years of service to the City of Bonham.
During his tenure as Bonham City Planner, Pete Phillips recalled making a trip to Austin in 1992 in the successful pursuit of a Main Street application on behalf of the City of Bonham.
"It would have been a lot harder to sell without this lady right here," Phillips remarked, motioning to Porter. "She even helped with the purchase of this building right here [Visitors Center]. I'm one of her biggest fans. She is always there to put her best foot forward for the town."
Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce President Chance Peeler pointed out another trademark of Porter -- her seemingly tireless work ethic.
"You were here every day and prepared to work," Peeler said of Porter. "In going forward, I hope we never forget how much time you dedicated to this city."
Bonham Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Hayes read a proclamation highlighting Porter's many projects and accomplishments.
"Howdy" Howdeshell, City of Bonham Superintendent of Streets, presented Porter with her very own street sign.
"We can't thank you enough for all you've done for our Visitors Center," said Bonham City Manager Sean Pate.
"I'm proud to call you my friend," Steve Filipowicz, Executive Director of Bonham Economic Development Corporation, told Porter.
Alan McDonald, Bonham Economic Development Corporation Board President, presented Porter with a certificate.
District Judge Lauri Blake gave Porter a writing pen fashioned out of local bois d'arc wood by David Keene.
Melissa Maxwell, the city's new Director of Tourism and Marketing, presented Porter with a gift basket.
In a room filled with ardent admirers, the guest of honor finally got her turn at the microphone.
"I have loved and adored everything I've done," Porter said. "I love to tell people about Bonham. This city is getting to the point where it is going to explode and we're going to get to see all these great things happen. I'm so excited for Bonham."
Future plans call for more time working with her church, working in the yard and writing.
photos by Allen Rich