[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 120 (Thursday, September 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous sense of pride that 
I rise before you today to recognize the 150th anniversary of my 
hometown, Flint, Michigan. This milestone will be celebrated with a 
series of events, during Homecoming Weekend September 23-25. Activities 
include a commemorative parade, pedal boat rides on the Flint River, 
and the opening of the newly renovated Flint Institute of Arts, just to 
name a few.
  Although incorporated in 1855, Flint was first founded in 1819 by fur 
trader Jacob Smith. The fledgling community, located on the banks of 
the Flint River, prospered under the trading, trapping, and lumber 
industries, which in turn brought more settlers to the area. In the 
1840's, Flint became famous for its carriage production. One such 
group, the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, purchased a tract of land in 
Flint and used the site to create a network of factories with the 
intention of maintaining all aspects of carriage production in close 
proximity. Under the leadership of William C. Durant, and with the help 
of Robert J. Whaley and Flint's own Citizens National Bank, this 
company grew to become what we know today as General Motors. Since 
then, Flint's history has been perpetually linked with the auto 
industry. The 1937 Sitdowners Strike served as a defining moment in the 
creation of the United Auto Workers. The Buick factory, where my father 
worked, and the other General Motors facilities in the Flint area 
served as one of the nation's greatest contributors during both World 
Wars, producing engines, parts, tanks, and other materials used by 
Allied forces in defense of the Free World.
  Over the years, Flint grew to become Michigan's fourth largest city, 
with a population of approximately 125,000 people. It is also home to a 
cultural center spanning 30 acres, institutions of higher learning such 
as Kettering University, C.S. Mott Community College, and the 
University of Michigan-Flint, outstanding medical centers, thriving 
commercial areas, and internationally renowned events such as the Crim 
Festival of Races.
  New projects and developments help guide its progress toward the 
future, while at the same time honoring and preserving its rich past. 
Centuries-old homes and buildings stand side by side with modern works 
of architecture, chronicling a new chapter in the city's history. 
Residents and visitors are welcomed to the downtown area by majestic 
arches, just as they were 85 years ago. And then there is perhaps 
Flint's greatest treasure, its residents. From those who have lived 
here for a generation to those calling it home for the first time, it 
is the people of Flint--my friends and neighbors--that shall always 
serve as its true nucleus. As a lifelong resident of Flint, my memories 
of the city shall always remain with me. From growing up with my 
family, to serving as the Member of Congress for the city, I will 
always look upon the city fondly; it is my home.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Mayor 
Don Williamson, the Flint City Council, the Sesquicentennial Committee, 
and all event sponsors for their vision in recognizing the need to 
acknowledge this occasion. Again, I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to please join me in congratulating Flint, Michigan on 
its 150th anniversary.

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