[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO THE HARRY AND DAVID COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2004

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to a wonderful company whose roots are deeply immersed 
in the history of southern Oregon and our nation. Harry and David, a 
mail-order food-gift company located in Medford, Oregon, is celebrating 
its 70th anniversary, a milestone that speaks to America's enduring 
fondness for Harry and David products and services.
  Well-known nationwide for their direct marketing of gourmet food and 
fruit gifts, the Harry and David Company is also known as a valuable 
member of the southern Oregon business community. Countless southern 
Oregon families have worked for Harry and David over the years and have 
helped shape their successful growth as a company.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years the Harry and David Company has expanded 
from its initial gourmet gift fruit offerings to include fine 
chocolates and confections, as well as baked goods, meats, snack foods 
and home decor items. Today Harry and David ships more than 7.5 million 
gifts each year, including a staggering 4 million packages during the 
holiday season.
  When you look back and consider the company's history, its 
accomplishments are even more impressive. After inheriting their 
father's Medford, Oregon, orchard in 1914, brothers Harry and David 
Holmes established a successful business shipping their signature 
fruit, the Royal Riviera Pear, to the grand hotels and restaurants of 
Europe. For 15 years, the brothers' business expanded as demand for 
their luxury fruit grew until the Great Depression impacted the market. 
Through extraordinary perseverance, the Holmes brothers pushed on and 
in 1934 built the foundation for the famously successful company we 
know today.
  Mr. Speaker, Harry and David has truly grown to become one of the 
crown jewels of Oregon, and I am proud to offer my congratulations to 
the Harry and David Company on its 70th anniversary. Oregon is 
fortunate to host such a magnificent enterprise, and I am confident the 
next 70 years will bring the company continued success.




                          ____________________