[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REV. WALTER ``PAPA'' HUFF: 100 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all of my 
constituents to wish the Reverend Walter R. Huff, known affectionately 
by family and friends as ``Papa,'' a most glorious 100th birthday.
  In his 100 years, Papa Huff has witnessed the growth of our Nation, 
from its horse and buggy days, to the Model-T, to today's space age. He 
saw, first hand, the rise of organizations like the NAACP and the Urban 
League and the elimination of legalized segregation in our society.
  Born in 1897, Papa Huff lived in Little Rock, AR, for most of his 
life. It was here, at the Arkansas Baptist College, that Papa Huff 
received his education.
  In 1916, Papa Huff began his career with the Missouri Pacific 
Railroad. He started his 45-year tenure with the railroad by laying 
track. During his time with the Missouri Pacific, he progressed in the 
company from laying track to working the boilers, locomotive operation, 
and finally, as an inspector.
  In 1925, Papa Huff married Lucy Sterling of Little Rock, AR. They 
were united happily for 45 years.
  Papa Huff begin his preaching career in 1925 as assistant pastor of 
the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR. It was also 
during this time that Reverend Huff joined the NAACP, led at that time 
by Mrs. Daisy Bates.
  In 1961, Papa Huff retired from the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He 
began his third career as an entrepreneur. He was the proud owner and 
operator of a painting business.
  Papa Huff came to my district in 1992, where he joined the Mount Erie 
Baptist Church, led by the Reverend Walter G. Wells. He remains an 
active member of this congregation.
  I, along with the residents of my congressional district, salute the 
Reverend Walter ``Papa'' Huff as a living celebration of history, 
steadfastness, and love. We wish him well on the joyous occasion of his 
100th birthday.

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