Phebe Kerrick Warner

Affectionately known as the “Little Brown Wren of Texas”, Phebe Kerrick Wren was based in Claude, Texas, and long active in rural community outreach. She advocated for agricultural extension education and took leadership roles in the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs (TFWC). She also was a frequent contributor to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Amarillo News-Globe. In 1923, Governor Neff tapped her organizational and communication skills, and appointed her to a founding seat on the Texas State Parks Board. She served for ten years as the secretary and statistician on the Board, and became a tireless advocate (with, incidentally, her TFWC colleagues, Florence Martin and Katie Welder) for the creation of a state park system. She had particular enthusiasm for Palo Duro Canyon State Park.