[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1085-E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CITY OF GARDEN GROVE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT K. DORNAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Mr. DORNAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the beautiful city of Garden Grove, my home town, for 
celebrating its 40th anniversary on June 18.
  Dr. Alonzo Cook, who is recognized as Garden Grove's founding father, 
would be so proud of the beauty and growth of this unique, southern 
California city. Since its incorporation on June 18, 1956, when 
services were formally coordinated to accommodate the booming 
population, Cook's pioneer spirit continues to be a part of life for 
Garden Grove and its citizens.
  Originally a land of dry desert and no vegetation, Alonzo Cook had a 
vision to create a

[[Page E1086]]

community filled with beautiful gardens for families to raise their 
children and individuals to support themselves. What has transpired 
since that time has been remarkable. Despite a devastating flood of the 
Santa Ana River in 1916 and a tragic earthquake in 1933, residents 
jointed in spirit and labor to see to it that Garden Grove continued 
its mission of creating and expanding the city's economic and social 
opportunities. And that trend continues today. At the time of the 1960 
census, Garden Grove had a population of nearly 44,000. Today, the 
population is more than 140,000. That makes Garden Grove the fourth 
largest city in Orange County and the 17th largest in the State of 
California, a true testament to its attractive nature.
  Today, Garden Grove remains a dynamic and thriving city with a strong 
sense of its roots based on a truly distinctive history. And due to its 
central geographic location within Orange County, one of the most 
economically robust areas in California, Garden Grove has become an 
ideal environment for family living, commercial enterprises, and 
recreation. It is just what Alonzo Cook envisioned.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm so proud to be a resident of this city. Happy 
anniversary, Garden Grove.

                          ____________________