[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN CELEBRATION OF CELESTE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to 
the citizens and former residents of Celeste, Texas, who are 
celebrating the rich heritage of their hometown with a community 
celebration on September 3, 2000. Founded more than 100 years ago, the 
town of Celeste has endured and thrived due to the hard work, devotion, 
and community spirit of those who have chosen to live and work and 
raise their families there. From the early settlers to today's 
citizens, Celeste has been blessed with honest, hard-working families 
who take pride in their community and work hard to preserve the 
wonderful town that I am honored to represent in the Fourth 
Congressional District of Texas.
  The town of Celeste was born when Santa Fe Railroad officials 
purchased land situated in Hunt County, 50 miles from Dallas, on high 
rolling prairie between the north fork of the Sabine River and the 
south fork of the Red River and at the junction of the Missouri 
Pacific, Gulf Colorado and Santa Fe Railways. The engineers divided the 
town site into blocks and streets, and a public sale of town lots was 
held on April 19, 1887. The settlement was named Celeste in honor of 
one of the railroad official's daughters. On February 11, 1898, more 
than 20 residents and qualified voters met in the office of the Hunt 
County Judge for the purpose of incorporating Celeste, and an election 
was held on March 5, 1898, officially incorporating the town.
  In the early years, and even before the railroad began to purchase 
land or lay tracks, numerous small settlements were established around 
what is now known as Celeste. Some families still reside in these 
communities; other settlements are marked by graveyards and other 
markers, and their history is kept alive through the memories shared by 
those who once lived there. White Rock, Kingston, Prosperity, Alliance, 
Dulaney, Hackberry, Goosneck, Orange Grove, Hickory Creek, Hogeye 
(where Audie Murphy once lived), Nicholson, Midway, Bradburn, and Lane 
are some of the beloved settlements that were part of Celeste's early 
history.
  Those were the days when small (sometimes one-room) schools were 
commonplace. Most of these communities established their own schools, 
and other beloved schools in the area included Antioch School, Crescent 
School, Davenport School, Sam Houston School, Prairie Hill School, 
Enterprise School, and Rainbow School. These eventually consolidated 
and most became part of the Celeste school system.
  Churches also were vital to these communities, providing spiritual 
and moral guidance as well as a ``meeting place'' for social 
gatherings. Some of these churches remain active in their respective 
communities.
  Records indicate that Celeste received its first postmaster in 1886. 
The post office was housed in several buildings until 1962, when a new 
building was dedicated by Congressman Ray Roberts, who traced its 
legacy to his predecessor, the Representative from the Fourth 
Congressional District and the great former Speaker of the House, Sam 
Rayburn.
  For many years the Celeste Courier chronicled the events of this 
community. Births and deaths, school and church activities, commerce 
and crime, politics and social events, sports and other interests were 
reported for area residents. But of course much of the news also was 
shared in person by this close-knit community, most of whom know each 
other well.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize this outstanding city in the 
Fourth Congressional District and to pay tribute to the citizens of 
Celeste, Texas, as they honor their hometown on the occasion of this 
wonderful celebration. Let us join today in celebrating the rich 
history of Celeste and wishing this community much happiness and 
prosperity for another hundred years.

                          ____________________