[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE CITY OF IONE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, on March 23, 1953, the City of Ione was 
incorporated as a General Law City and is now the largest city in 
Amador with a population of 7,500 people. This year the city, and all 
those who enjoy its unique atmosphere and year round recreation, 
celebrate its 50th Anniversary.
  Ione got its name by Thomas Brown around 1849 after one of the 
heroines in Edward Bulwer Lytton's drama ``The Last Days of Pompeii.'' 
During the days of the Gold Rush, miners knew the town by the names of 
``Bedbug'' and ``Freezeout.'' Unlike other communities in Amador 
County, which were founded on gold mining, Ione was a supply center, 
stage and rail stop and agricultural hub.
  The town of Ione continued to grow and prosper after its gold rush 
founding. The first school was built in 1853 and the first flour mill 
in 1855. The first brick building was built by Daniel Stewart in 1855 
for his general merchandise store and is still owned and operated by 
the same family.
  At the centennial of 1876, Ione had a population of 600 people. The 
centennial also celebrated the completion of the railroad to the town 
of Ione. The centennial celebration was the beginning of what is now 
known as the Ione Homecoming. This annual celebration has been held 
during the month of May almost every year since that first Centennial 
celebration in 1876 and is now held on the first weekend in May every 
year.
  Our community is indeed proud of the City of Ione and its history. 
And I am proud to congratulate the City and its residents as we 
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the City of Ione.

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