[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MAYODAN, NORTH CAROLINA'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate the town of Mayodan, NC for celebrating its centennial 
next Tuesday. The town's charter was granted on February 16, 1899 with 
a population of 225 residents. Mayodan received its name (unique from 
any town in the world) because of its location near the junction of the 
Mayo and Dan Rivers in North-central North Carolina in Rockingham 
County.
  The town's history is tied to the growth of the textile industry and 
the railroad. In order to provide more traffic for the new rail line 
between Roanoke, VA and my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, several 
companies constructed textile mills at different points along the 
route. One of those mills (Mayo Mills) provided the impetus for the 
town of Mayodan and was responsible for much of its early growth. It 
built the houses, provided utilities and health care, and employed the 
majority of the people. Since these early times, Mayodan has outgrown 
its complete dependence on the textile industry and now provides its 
own services and government. Textiles, however, will always be closely 
linked to the town's history, people, and economic development.
  One hundred years later, Mayodan has grown into a town of 2,400 
residents. Its recreational, residential, and commercial sectors are 
alive with activity. With the economic stability provided by the 
introduction of new textile companies and other industries and the 
close sense of community that has developed in the town over the past 
century through the many churches and civic organizations, Mayodan has 
thrived despite the Great Depression, wars, and, most recently, a 
disastrous tornado.
  Mr. Speaker, after one hundred years, Mayodan exemplifies the best 
attributes of a small town. It has worked hard to develop its economy 
and community--all while preserving its heritage and culture. It is a 
friendly place where people still stroll the sidewalks in the evening 
and greet friends and strangers with a smile. I am proud to have a town 
like Mayodan in my district, and I wish them success and happiness for 
the next hundred years.

                          ____________________