[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE MARIPOSA COUNTY COURTHOUSE ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2004

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mariposa 
County Courthouse on its 150 years of service to the needs of the 
community of Mariposa. The courthouse is holding numerous anniversary 
events throughout 2004 leading up to the actual anniversary.
  Founded on September 8, 1850, the courthouse was built on land 
donated by Mr. John C. Fremont and cost a mere $9,300 to construct. 
Throughout the last century and a half, the courthouse underwent 
several additions, including a clock tower in 1866, its first telephone 
in 1895, and electric lights in 1907. In 1958, the courthouse was 
officially recognized as a California State Landmark and was added to 
the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
  The court has operated continuously ever since it's opening in 1850, 
making it the oldest, active courthouse west of the Rocky Mountains. 
Today, the original clock keeps the residents of Mariposa on time, just 
as it had done for the last 100 years. In addition, the services of the 
court have expanded into seven departments, including criminal, family 
law, small claims and traffic.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to congratulate and honor the 
residents of Mariposa for their preservation and dedication to the 
Mariposa County Courthouse for the last 150 years. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in wishing the Mariposa County Courthouse many more years of 
continued success.

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