[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING GALESVILLE SESQUICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise before 
you today to honor the historic village of Galesville, Wisconsin. On 
June 26, 2004, Galesville will be celebrating its 150th anniversary, 
and activities will include the opening of a capsule that was buried 
fifty years ago on the town's 100th anniversary.
  This quaint community in western Wisconsin overlooks Lake Marinuka 
and sits among rolling hills, towering cliffs, forests and spring-fed 
streams. The first settlers of the Galesville area were the Native 
Americans, who planted their history on the same soil the town of 
Galesville rests today. The influence of the Native Americans remains 
strong; this is apparent in the naming of Lake Marinuka, which was 
named after the legend of Princess Marie Nounko, who was the 
granddaughter of the Great Chief Decorah, the chief of the Winnebago 
tribe. Princess Marie's grave lies at the north end of the lake, where 
she was buried in 1884. In addition, the town of Galesville is blessed 
with a unique 100 year old bowstring bridge, located alongside the 
historic McGilvray Road.
  Judge George Gale founded Gales College 150 years ago; soon after the 
town was born. In 1869, Rev. D.O. Van Slyke, circuit-riding preacher 
and Civil War veteran, believed Galesville was the biblical Garden of 
Eden because of its breathtaking surroundings. The term ``Garden of 
Eden,'' is still fitting to those walking the streets of this quiet 
village.
  Galesville's Apple Affair has become a major Trempealeau County 
event. Since 1983, this annual event takes place on the first Saturday 
in October as part of Wisconsin's effort to promote the state's apple 
orchards. The Apple Affair draws many families from throughout the 
region. From apple pie to caramel apples, this annual celebration is a 
wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, as well as get to know the 
friendly people of Galesville.
  The 150th anniversary of Galesville highlights what is good and 
important about rural America to our country. There are thousands of 
small rural communities across this Nation that form the backbone of 
rural life; these communities are the incubators of local commerce, 
politics, education, recreation, entertainment and faith of rural 
neighborhoods. The hardworking citizens of small town America are the 
builders of our great Nation.
  I am pleased to congratulate the citizens of Galesville on their 
sesquicentennial, and believe it is important to recognize their unique 
contribution to the growth of western Wisconsin. I wish them happiness 
and prosperity during the next 150 years.

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