[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF FOSTORIA, OHIO AND THEIR HONORABLE 
                     DESIGNATION AS TRAIN CITY, USA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to stand before 
my colleagues in the House to pay special tribute to a special 
community in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On November 2, 2002, 
the community of Fostoria, Ohio will be designated as ``Train City, 
USA.''
  Mr. Speaker, the City of Fostoria has been blessed with a rich train 
heritage, dating back to the 1800's. In the beginning, five great 
railroads radiated like the spokes of a wheel, with Fostoria as the 
hub. The freight, mail, and passenger trains that passed through 
Fostoria on their way to Indiana and Illinois helped play a major role 
in the early development of Fostoria. In fact, the history of Fostoria 
is essentially the history of the development of transportation and its 
associated industry, and the chapters in history will reveal Fostoria's 
thrilling history as a railroad thoroughfare.
  The first railroad through Fostoria, originally named the Fremont and 
Indiana Rail Road Co., was planned to extend from Fremont through 
Fostoria, by way of Findlay, to the Indiana state line. Construction 
began in 1854, but did not reach its destination until 1859.
  Today, trains are still an indelible part of the Fostoria landscape. 
The community experiences an average of 160 trains each day-making it 
one of the busiest rail intersections in the United States. 
Affectionately known as the ``iron triangle,'' trains are dispersed on 
three separate rail lines that converge in the center of the city.
  This built-in hub of train activity, which makes for ideal viewing 
and photography by rail enthusiasts of all ages. The Fostoria Area 
Visitors Bureau along with the City of Fostoria, have formed a Train 
Tourism Committee. Plans are also underway for rail-based murals on all 
overpasses, celebrating the historical significance of the train to 
Fostoria.
  Fostoria embraces their significant rail heritage and will continue 
to share this with visitors and members of their community. It is a 
labor of love, pride, and dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute 
to the diligent effort and unwavering spirit of those individuals 
determined to see this project through to completion. Our communities 
are served well by having such honorable and giving citizens who care 
about the education that future generations receive so that our 
historical heritages are preserved well into the future. I am confident 
that this designation of ``Train City, USA'' will serve as an essential 
link to a piece of American, and Ohio, history.

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