Wildflower Competitions

Edgar Byram Davis, a serial entrepreneur in the shoe and rubber industries, came to Luling, Texas in 1922. He drilled 6 dry holes there before hitting the Rafael Rios No. 1 gusher. In gratitude to the beauty of the local landscapes that had given him heart in his wildcatting ventures, he anonymously sponsored a competition with the San Antono Art League from 1927 through 1929 with rich prizes and the stipulation that the paintings feature wildflowers. The contest brought in thousands of entrants, including such talented artists as Jose Arpa, Dawson Dawson-Watson, and Peter Hohnstedt, and brought acclaim to Texas scenery.