Bill & JiGong,

Base on the information exchange between both of you I have solved my problem and learned a few things in the process.  That's one of the things I like most about the DNN Community -- everyone's willing to share info & experiences.

Bill,,, For the record, I chose your option #2 setting the child control's LocalResourceFile in the Page_Load of the main form.  I have made note of your comment about that option not having been tested much and will note any problems but so far it seems to work fine.  At least for my current need.  In case your wondering, I chose to go with naming the resource file using the filename of the user control itself.  It seems to be less confusing, this way all the resource files match the actual user controls that uses them.

Again, many thanks to both.  Best Regards,

Chuck R.