[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise before you today, and to 
ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in 
celebrating the 75th anniversary of a wonderful city in my district, 
Grand Blanc, Michigan. This momentous occasion will be marked by a 
series of events, including the dedication of a new Town Square and the 
opening of a connector street, both on July 26.
  Originally a settlement of the Chippewa Indians, French traders 
arrived at the turn of the 19th century, naming their new home Grand 
Blanc, or ``Great White.'' By 1823, pioneer families had set up trading 
posts, and built homes and farms on the abundant land, which sold for 
$1.25 an acre. The railroad added more work and growth to the small 
community in 1862. In 1904, the village became the first in the State 
to consolidate its schools, and on March 4, 1930, the residents adopted 
a City Charter.
  Over the past 75 years, Grand Blanc has grown to become one of 
Genesee County's and Michigan's fastest growing cities, while still 
maintaining its small town atmosphere. It is the proud home of one of 
the State's top school systems, thriving commercial districts and 
downtown area, and many public and private golf courses, including 
Warwick Hills, site of Michigan's only PGA Tour event, the Buick Open.
  Grand Blanc's greatest treasure, however, is its residents. From 
those who have lived there for a generation, to those who call it home 
for the first time, the people who make Grand Blanc such a warm and 
welcoming community shall always serve as its true nucleus.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Grand 
Blanc Mayor Michael Matheny, City Manager Randall Byrne, and the 
dedicated City Council for their vision in recognizing the need to 
acknowledge this milestone. I am proud to call them my colleagues, my 
constituents, and my friends. Once again, I ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating Grand Blanc, Michigan on 
its 75th Anniversary.

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