[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE FRANK AND OCLLO BOYKIN HUNTING LODGE ON THE OCCASION OF 
                             ITS 100TH YEAR

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Frank and 
Ocllo Boykin Hunting Lodge on the occasion of its 100th year.
  Stories of Congressman Frank Boykin are certainly not unfamiliar to 
many in this chamber. For nearly three decades, spanning much of the 
Depression, World War II, the Korean War, and the space exploration and 
civil rights eras, Congressman Boykin tirelessly served as the 
representative of Alabama's First Congressional District.
  During this time, ``Mr. Frank'' invited some of the most prominent 
government, military and business leaders to his hunting lodge in 
Washington County, Alabama. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the 
residents of southwest Alabama, ensuring that their needs and concerns 
were always heard and that their individual problems received the 
attention they deserved over the course of his 14 terms in the House of 
Representatives. To say that he loved the people of his district would 
be an understatement; even the sign at the Boykin Lodge underscored his 
very love of life... ``Where everything is made for love.''
  Starting with his first year in Congress, Congressman Boykin would 
bring congressional colleagues and other officials to his hunting lodge 
on a chartered Pullman car. Guests of the Boykin Lodge included three 
different Speakers of the House and almost every Alabama governor 
during the congressman's career. The hunts are held a few days after 
Thanksgiving every year and are attended, even to this day, by local 
and statewide officials.
  Stories of a Boykin hunt weekend almost always included hound dogs, 
barbecue, cold ``adult beverages,'' a game or two of cards and 
shotguns. In addition to the hunting stories, the lodge also served as 
a place for colleagues to relax, enjoy being away from Washington, 
D.C., and to bond with one another. Many of the friendships fostered at 
the Boykin Lodge extended far beyond the boundaries of this rural part 
of Washington County.
  It is my sincere hope that the Frank and Ocllo Boykin Hunting Lodge 
will continue to be such a source of relaxation, good fellowship and 
camaraderie for another 100 years, and I rise today to salute this 
proud family and the many contributions they have made toward the 
betterment of south Alabama.




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