[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT, H.R. 1026

                                 ______


                            HON. JOEL HEFLEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 1995
  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I introduced legislation, H.R. 
1026, to designate the U.S. Post Office building located at 201 East 
Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs, CO, the Winfield Scott Stratton 
Post Office.
  This designation will honor the memory of a man who contributed 
greatly to the community of Colorado Springs. Working as a carpenter 
and prospector for over 18 years, Winfield Scott Stratton was one of 
the many adventurers who came to Colorado looking for their fortune. In 
his case, the fortune was a rich deposit of gold in Cripple Creek, CO.
  Mr. Stratton's lifestyle changed little after his gold strike. He 
believed it was the duty of anyone who made a fortune to use his wealth 
in the development of his community. In keeping with that philosophy, 
Mr. Stratton dedicated the rest of his life to helping others less 
fortunate and to advancing the development of Colorado Springs and 
Colorado.
  He purchased and gave Colorado Springs the ground for its city hall; 
he helped finance a new courthouse; he purchased and upgraded the 
street railway system; he built the first privately funded building at 
the Colorado School of Mines; and he endowed the Myron Stratton Home, a 
foster home for children and impoverished elderly which is still 
serving the Colorado Springs community today. Thousands of Coloradans 
today are the direct beneficiaries of Mr. Stratton's generosity.
  Regarding H.R. 1026, it is noteworthy that Winfield Scott Stratton 
also purchased the property at 201 East Pikes Peak Avenue and sold it 
to the Federal Government for half its value on the condition that the 
Federal Government build the post office which stands there today.
  In view of Mr. Stratton's contribution to the existing post office 
and to Colorado as a whole, it is an entirely fitting and appropriate 
gesture to name this U.S. Post Office the Winfield Scott Stratton Post 
Office. He was a man who shared his riches with an entire State, and he 
left a legacy of love and care which continues today.


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