Ottis Lock Endowment Awards

In 1984, the East Texas Historical Association established the Ottis Lock Endowment to honor Ottis Lock, a lifelong East Texan who served the region as an educator, public official, and business leader. A native of Angelina County, Mr. Lock began his career as a teacher. He later served 30 years in the Texas Legislature, was chairman of the Texas Department of Public Safety and several other state agencies, and was a distinguished alumnus of Stephen F. Austin State University. He retired in 1977 as a senior vice-president of Southland Paper Mills, Inc. Throughout his life Mr. Lock maintained a strong interest in the history, heritage, and folklore of East Texas. That interest was reflected in his service as a trustee of the Southland Paper Mills Foundation. Through the generosity of Mr. Lock's friends, the ETHA's Ottis Lock Endowment has made possible a number of annual awards and research grants. To apply, see the information below or contact the ETHA at amcdonald@sfasu.edu

Educator Award:

The Ottis Lock Educator of the Year Award of $500 will be awarded to a deserving nominee who has demonstrated excellence in educating the public about the history or culture of East Texas. Nominations will be made by the Lock Endowment Committee by March 1 of each year; the Committee welcomes suggestions from the public, which should be received no later than February 1. Suggestions may be sent directly to a committee member or to the offices of the East Texas Historical Association by letter. Those nominated by the Committee will be notified and invited to submit appropriate support materials for their nomination by May 1.

Research Grant:

A number of research grant awards involving East Texas history will be made, usually in amounts of $500 to $1000. Applications will be accepted on our form, and should include name, address of the researcher (with biographical data), the purpose for which the funds would be spent, a general statement of anticipated benefit and uses of the completed research and a complete budget.

Best Book on East Texas History:

Nominations may be made by an author or publisher, and should include the title of the book, the author (with biographical data), and a statement about the book, accompanied by three copies of the book. The award will be a sculpture designed by Paula Kurth Devereaux.

Deadlines:

Bob Bowman, Chairman
Ottis Lock Endowment Committee
East Texas Historical Association
Box 6223, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-6223