[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 63 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR GILBERT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arthur 
Gilbert, for his leadership and philanthropy in our community.
  As Arthur celebrates his 85th birthday, it seems an appropriate time 
to acknowledge his distinguished career and extraordinary contributions 
to the development of our community and our country. Working in Los 
Angeles and other parts of the country, Arthur has used his talents to 
construct industrial buildings of several million square feet, 
industrial parks ranging from 20 to 100 acres and shopping centers 
ranging from 5 to 30 acres. His true leadership in this industry was 
demonstrated with the conclusion of the first real estate joint venture 
with a life insurance company in the United States.
  It is nearly impossible to drive along Wilshire Boulevard and not 
come across some project that has involved Arthur Gilbert's capable and 
careful planning. Examples of Arthur's work include Union Bank regional 
headquarters; the Bankers Life Insurance Building; the American Cement 
Building; California Federal Savings; and Gibralter Square. Arthur has 
also been involved with developments throughout the country from Kansas 
City to Palm Springs to Chicago to Virginia.
  In addition to the physical development of our community, Arthur has 
played an integral role in its cultural advancements as well. He 
created the premier micro mosaic collection in the world, and is a 
patron of art history in this phenomenal genre of art. Arthur has 
amassed an incomparable collection of silver and gold boxes which he 
has shared with the public in Los Angeles. This world renowned 
collection will be permanently housed at Somerset House in London for 
international audiences to enjoy.
  Arthur is a stalwart supporter of the U.S.--Israel relationship and a 
vigilent critic of anti-Semitism. He speaks forcefully, thoughtfully 
and with a command of the facts. When he thinks the community and press 
is not listening sufficiently he buys a large newspaper advertisement 
so we all get the message.
  Arthur is also a honorary Trustee for the Arm and Hammer United World 
College of America West, a member of the National Board of Directors of 
the American Technion Society and a Fellow of the Hebrew University in 
Jerusalem. He plays a leadership role in a variety of other 
organizations; and many charitable organizations and educational 
institutions have been enriched through his philanthropy and advice.
  Arthur has done all of this in a mere 85 years. Mr. Speaker, 
distinguished colleagues, please join me in celebrating the birthday of 
one of the preeminent citizens of Los Angeles, Mr. Arthur Gilbert. We 
know that Arthur, along with his wife Marjorie, Son Colin and step-
daughter Susan will be benefitting our community for many, many years 
to come.

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