[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SHELLEY CENTENNIAL

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                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the city of Shelley, 
Idaho, a community in the heart of my state's rich potato country that 
this year is celebrating the centennial of its founding.
  John F. Shelley settled eastern Idaho in 1892, just two years after 
statehood. He built the first home, and later a store, in the town that 
would bear his name. The railroad saw promise in the area's rich 
volcanic soil and stalwart pioneers, and put in a spur line to connect 
them with the world. Shelley officially became a city in 1904.
  In 1927, community leaders in Shelley organized the first annual 
Idaho Spud Day, a tradition that grew through the years and continues 
each September with the support of area growers and processors. Indeed, 
Shelley has become so thoroughly identified with Idaho's world famous 
potatoes that its high school teams are known as the ``Russets.''
  That heritage has a special place in my heart, Mr. Speaker. My career 
in private business was focused on the potato industry. Over 30 years, 
selling Idaho potato products around the world, I came to know and 
appreciate my state's farmers and the towns and businesses and families 
their labors support--like Shelley.
  It is a community with a rich and proud history, built on hard work 
and faith and values that endure. It is a place where people know one 
another, and look after one another. The people of Shelley are tough 
and resilient, and they are committed to keeping their hometown the 
kind of place much of America would still like to be.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Shelley and its fine 
citizens for a remarkable century of tradition, achievement and 
progress. I'm confident that Shelley, Idaho, will remain a special 
place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.

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