A historical marker in downtown Houston was unveiled Saturday during a ceremony near the Houston Senior Center. A national foundation awarded funds to Downtown Houston Inc. for the marker near a mural display about Emmett Kelly Sr. south of the Houston Senior Center.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation awarded $1,950 to the organization to place a marker near the mural project that was an effort of Barbara White, a local artist.
Member Brenda Senter spearheaded the effort that gives information about the life of Kelly, who grew up east of Houston and went on to international fame in the circus, TV and film as “Weary Willie.” He died in 1979. Kelly saw his first circus at Yukon. An annual festival honored him Saturday. A program about his life was presented Friday night at the Lone Star Annex.
Since 2005, the foundation has funded more than 2,400 signs across the country. It has grown to offer six signature marker grant programs in addition to marker programs funding through partnerships with non-profit, municipal and academic organizations.
