[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MARGARET PARX HAYS

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in recognition 
of Margaret Parx Hays, a devoted community servant and former Mayor who 
initiated a drive to restore The Santa Fe Depot in the city of 
Gainesville, Texas. Margaret is a distinguished native of Gainesville 
and has devoted considerable energy, drive, and creativity to bringing 
this project to fruition. Her efforts not only saved an historically 
significant building but helped make the community aware of an 
important part of their history.
  This particular station, constructed in 1902, was Gainesville's 
second depot. The city, itself, received its first passenger train on 
January 2, 1887. The depot is an elegant redbrick building that served 
the Santa Fe line when it was originally constructed. Without 
Margaret's devotion to her community, though, the station would have 
remained an abandoned relic. Now it plays host to many community 
gatherings.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great thanks and appreciation that I 
recognize the energy and efforts of Margaret Parx Hayes, who organized 
the effort to return the Santa Fe Depot in Gainesville, Texas to its 
original beauty. I have had the pleasure of knowing--and working with 
Margaret--for many years. This would be a better world, with more 
kindness and caring, and more success in the healthy growth of a city 
or area, if we had Margaret Parx Hays in each of our cities. She is, 
other than being a wonderful person, a great asset to the city of 
Gainesville--and all who live there who want and expect to have 
gracious living. Margaret brings this to the table of public service 
because she cares.
  Let us close this House of Representatives on this day, December 18, 
2001, in loving respect and eternal gratitude, to this kind, loving and 
generous woman.

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