[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE CITY OF DUBOIS, 125 YEARS OF HISTORY AND VITALITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 1997

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of one of the great cities in my 
congressional district, the city of DuBois in Clearfield County, PA.
  DuBois is a prosperous community, rich in history and spirit. Located 
on a scenic plateau at the top of the Allegheny Mountains where the 
Eastern Continental Divide marks the flow of its waters, the DuBois 
region first attracted Native Americans who used its rich forestry and 
streams for hunting and fishing. The land became open to settlement 
after the Indian purchase of 1783. John Rumbarger purchased 250 acres 
in 1865, and he later laid out the town site in 1872. About the same 
time, John DuBois constructed his lumber mills, and by 1876 the name of 
the town was changed to DuBois. His lumber operation flourished because 
of the area's dense virgin timber, numerous streams, and easy access to 
the railroads. Shortly after the mills opened, coal veins were 
discovered in the west end of town. DuBois lumber and coal, along with 
Titusville oil, became the principal freight for the railroad for many 
years. In the words of resident historian Jason Gray, ``It was the 
lumbering that started DuBois and it was mining and railroading that 
kept it moving.''
  DuBois has continued to prosper over the past 125 years, by virtue of 
its prime location and its people's strong work ethic. The town has 
remained an attractive location for business and industry, continuing 
in its historical role as a commercial center because of its proximity 
to Interstate 80 and PA Routes 119 and 219. The DuBois-Jefferson County 
Airport is also located nearby and serves as a gateway to Pittsburgh 
and other international airports. Though ideally located for such 
industries as trucking and interstate commerce, the area has also 
become a solid leader in such major industries as powdered metals, 
glass, and meter and spring manufacturing.
  Nevertheless, there is more to a town than its commerce and economy. 
A community's character is also vital to those seeking an exceptional 
quality of life. True to form, DuBois does not disappoint in this 
category either. The beauty and serenity of the surrounding hills truly 
make it an ideal place to live. Each season distinctly enhances the 
town's natural beauty, whether it be the colorful fall foliage or the 
peaceful blanket of winter's snow. Recreation and other activities 
abound within the area. Ethnic festivals, parades, fireman's fairs, 
church suppers, and youths sports are embraced by the community as a 
whole and evoke a sense of hometown atmosphere to native residents and 
newcomers alike. Visitors are not viewed as strangers as is so often 
the case today, but treated as family. I know this from personal 
experience for the residents have gone out of their way to make me feel 
at home during each of my visits.
  Mr. Speaker, I am indeed privileged to serve such a idyllic and 
distinguished community. I urge you and all of our colleagues to join 
me in wishing the citizens of DuBois a very happy 125th anniversary 
with positive outlook for another 125 years of continued growth and 
prosperity.

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