[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING DEARBORN'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, honor and 
celebrate the City of Dearborn on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. 
Incorporated on January 9, 1929, Dearborn's roots as a community date 
to the mid-19th century. With a balanced mix of commercial, industrial 
and residential development sewn together by progressive city leaders, 
excellent schools and a unique sense of civic pride, Dearborn is the 
epitome of a successful American community.
  Modern day Dearborn was created by the consolidation of Dearborn and 
Fordson cities and Dearborn Township. Henry Ford had a significant 
attachment or interests in all three jurisdictions and was an important 
advocate of the consolidation. The area that had served principally as 
the Detroit Arsenal between 1833-1875, was now poised to take on an 
identity all its own.
  In the 1920 census, the villages of Dearborn and Springwells (renamed 
Fordson) had a combined population of less than 5,000 residents. It was 
between these two villages that Henry Ford built the Ford Rouge 
Complex, at which more than 85,000 men would one day work 
simultaneously. Such burgeoning manufacturing combined with the unheard 
of salary of $5 per day attracted workers literally from throughout the 
world to the newly formed city of Dearborn.
  Such cultural diversity, coupled with Ford's benevolence, helped 
shape the newly formed city of Dearborn into a model of prosperity, 
civic virtue and individual opportunity. Dearborn has always provided 
its citizens with exemplary public service. Dearborn's reputation for 
public safety and education is second to none. Its residents have 
transcended cultural, ethnic and religious customs to form strong 
neighborhood associations that further contribute to the quality and 
diversity of living in Dearborn.
  Dearborn continues to thrive today as a result of such active 
involvement and partnership from its corporate and individual residents 
alike. Today, Dearborn is home to colleges and universities, hospital 
facilities, appealing and expansive shopping areas and business 
districts, the Henry Ford: America's Greatest History attraction, the 
Automotive Hall of Fame as well as countless restaurants and numerous 
specialty and boutique shops.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in honoring 
Dearborn on its 75th Anniversary. The city of Dearborn is home to 
vibrant and stable neighborhoods, significant industrial production, 
cultural and artistic attractions and commercial business 
opportunities. Taken collectively, in celebrating Dearborn's 75th 
anniversary, we are really celebrating all the best that America 
represents.

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