Established in 1947
Arthur T. Potts Award |
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When the Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society decided to establish an award recognizing outstanding horticultural work in this area there was little doubt as to who would be the first recipient. Arthur T. Potts of Harlingen was chosen and his name has been given to the award.
Arthur T. Potts worked in the field of citriculture in Texas long before the establishment of a commercial citrus industry. Born in Weatherford, Texas, he graduated from Texas A and M College with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture and went to the Beeville Experiment Station as superintendent in the early years of this century. At the Beeville station during the period 1909 - 1912 he determined that satsumas and kumquats could be grown in South Texas. Citrus in that area was grown on trifoliata rootstock which is susceptible to citrus canker. Citrus canker and freezes finally eliminated most of the citrus trees along the Gulf Coast. The citrus industry then moved southward and by 1921 most of the citrus trees in the state were located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Meanwhile Potts joined the Extension Service and traveled over the state locating experiment substations including the one at Weslaco. By 1924 Potts had received master’s degrees in horticulture from the Uiversity of California and Texas A and M. At that time he moved to the Lower Rio Grande Valley to become a partner with Sam Baker in the Baker-Potts Nursery Co. He later bought out his partner’s share in the business and has been closely identified with the development of the citrus industry in the Valley ever since. He also helped in the development of several large citrus tracts including those at Bayview, Progreso and Adams Gardens. Mr. Potts was instrumental in formation of the Texas Citrus Exchange and served in may civic capacities.
The Arthur T. Potts Award was established by the Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society in 1955, and is given annually in recognition of outstanding service to the horticultural industry of South Texas. Contributions may be in the area of research, education, leadership or service which enhance horticultural production. Nominations may be made by submitting a letter of recommendation describing the individual’s contributions to the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society. The award is presented at the Annual Institute held in January each year.
Past Recipients
1955 Arthur T. Potts 1973 Bailey Sleeth 1991 Eligio “Kika” de la Garza 1956 Wilson Popenoe 1974 Raphael H. Cintron 1992 Benigno “Ben” Villalon 1957 E. M. Goodwin 1975 J. B. Corns 1993 John E. Fucik 1958 J. B. Webb 1976 Henry E. Link 1994 Gary Kinney 1959 G. H. Godfrey 1977 R . T. “Mayo” Correa 1995 Harry Shimotsu 1960 W. C. Cooper 1978 A. H. “Dutch” Karcher, Jr. 1996 Carl Schuster 1961 Lon C. Hill 1979 Charlie Rankin 1997 Bob Leyden 1962 W. H. Bill Friend 1980 Glen G. White 1998 Chan Connolly 1963 Paul W. Leeper 1981 WaIter H. Baxter, Jr. 1999 Tom Longbrake 1964 Stanley B. Crockett 1982 Raymond Cowley 2000 William E. Bill’ Weeks 1965 Harry Foehner 1983 Norman P. Maxwell 2001 Victor French 1966 Sam D. Taylor 1984 Noel E. Ryall 2002 Marvin MilIer 1967 0. F. Marrs 1985 Richard A. Hensz 2003 Clay Everhard 1968 P. W. Rohrbough 1986 George Pletcher, Jr. 2004 Leonard Pike 1969 Arthur V. Schull 1987 Herbart A. Dean 2005 Jose Amador 1970 Frank J. Schuster 1988 Stanley B. Crockett, Jr. 2006 Julian W. Sauls 1971 Guy W. Adriance 1989 Wayne Showers 2007 Rey Prewett 1972 George R.. Schultz 1990 A. V. “Pete” Peterson 2008 Bob Wiedenfeld
Updated - 11 August, 2008