[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1571-E1572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FARMERS & MERCHANTS UNION BANK IN COLUMBUS, 
                               WISCONSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 140th 
Anniversary of the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank in Columbus, 
Wisconsin. The bank began business 140 years ago, and became nationally 
recognized when it moved into its new, current home in 1919. With its 
famous structure designed by the great American architect from the 
Midwest, Louis Sullivan, the bank is a cornerstone of the city of 
Columbus.
  It is remarkable that this small bank has been able to retain its 
independence through the tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries to the 
modern era of megalithic corporate banking, the New Economy, and the 
information age. In 1861, when the bank first began, the United States 
was a very different place from now. Abraham Lincoln was President, and 
the Civil War between the states was in its infancy. Wisconsin had been 
a state for only 13 years, but already had its sixth governor, 
Alexander William Randall. Columbus had not yet incorporated as a 
city--that was not to come for another 13 years, in 1874.
  Though all these years, the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank has 
remained a truly local,

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independent, community bank and continues today to serve the people of 
Columbus and the surrounding areas.
  It is a profound achievement for any business to remain in operation 
for 140 years, and I am proud to recognize this bank and the city and 
people of Columbus, Wisconsin.

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