[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF PORTLAND, TENNESSEE

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the city of Portland, Tennessee, which I have the honor 
of representing in this esteemed body. The Middle Tennessee community 
will celebrate this milestone on Sunday, May 1.
  The area around Portland was first settled in 1792 by the James Gwin 
family, according to local historians. Land speculation, as well as a 
soil and a climate conducive to dark air-cured tobacco, lured settlers 
from the Carolinas and Virginia to the area. Nearly 70 years later, the 
L&N Railroad also opened a train depot in Portland for its Nashville-
to-Bowling Green route.
  As the community grew and prospered, local leaders finally decided to 
incorporate. And on May 2, 1905, the city of Portland held its first 
election. Since then, Portland has been through many changes. But it 
has never lost its charm or its allure. Today the community has an 
outstanding quality of life and a commitment from its local leaders and 
officials that is second to none.
  Mayor Jim Calloway and the Board of Aldermen will lead the city of 
Portland's celebration on Sunday. They have done an outstanding job in 
organizing this event and leading the community into the 21st Century. 
I wish those city leaders well and hope the next 100 years are as 
prosperous and progressive as the first 100 years.

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