[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E907-E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEVI'S JEANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 1998

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask members of the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of an 
American legend: blue jeans. Or more specifically, Levi's jeans.

[[Page E908]]

  On this day, the 20th of May, 1873, a California businessman named 
Levi Strauss patented the process of putting rivets in blue denim pants 
for greater strength. He did so with the help of his business partner, 
Jacob Davis, a tailor from Nevada. From that moment on, Levi's jeans 
have been a part of daily life in America and around the world.
  Initially, the jeans gained popularity for their superior quality and 
durability, but the invention was destined to become an international 
phenomenon because of what they came to represent: the spirit of 
personal freedom and originality.
  For more than a century, Levi's jeans have been part of the cultural 
experience in the United States and overseas. From frontier 
independence to the fall of the Berlin Wall; from Woodstock to the 
White House; from the assembly line to casual Friday, blue jeans have 
been the uniform of individuality allowing the wearer to express his or 
her essential self.
  It's remarkable to think that what was conceived as a garment for 
California gold miners has evolved into a global icon for independence. 
But then again, good ideas have a way of making themselves well-known 
to everyone. The familiarity we all share with blue jeans is proof of 
that.
  On this, the 125th anniversary of the invention of Levi's, please 
join me in acknowledging the spirit of freedom and limitless 
possibilities that they symbolize.

                          ____________________