[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      GERA: MORE THAN JUST A TOWN

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 28, 1994

  Mr. BARCIA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of 
the Centennial of Gera, MI. This small community has a great 
sentimental value to the people who reside in it. Having a neighbor in 
Gera means more than just someone living next to you; it also means 
friendship. This grand event will take place on July 3, 1994.
  This small town has quite a history. There is a possibility that Gera 
would not even exist today if the railroad would have been built 
through the town of Frankenmuth as originally planned. Frankenmuth 
refused to have the railroad run through town because they were 
concerned about the adverse influences that the railroads were thought 
to attract. Today Gera welcomes the railroad as the very reason for its 
existence. The railroad line was built in 1881 and was placed in 
operation on February 21, 1882. Originally the first sign placed at the 
depot read ``Frankenmuth Station.'' In 1894 Frank Gilbert advised the 
railroad company that it should rename the station. The company 
officially did so on April 23, 1894. It was renamed Gera, after a town 
in Germany, and as they say ``the rest is history.''
  Currently, there are 40 residents within official city limits. 
However, since Gera has a reputation for being more than just a town, 
500 people consider themselves a part of the community. I am very 
excited to share in the celebration of the Centennial of Gera. I urge 
all my colleagues to wish the people of Gera the very best.

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