[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF SAINT JOHNS, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2005

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
150th anniversary of the founding of Saint Johns, Michigan. Saint Johns 
was established by John Swegles and a team of state officials and land 
speculators who purchased and platted Saint Johns based on information 
about a new railroad depot in Michigan. These speculators selected the 
site in 1853 looking to create a new town along the Detroit & Milwaukee 
Railroad, however it was not until 1856 that the railroad arrived in 
Saint Johns.
  Today, Saint Johns in affectionately known as Mint City, USA. The 
State of Michigan produces nearly enough mint flavor to make 6.9 
billion sticks of chewing gum each year, the majority of which is 
produced in and around Saint Johns in Clinton County, MI. Every August, 
Saint Johns' mint heritage is celebrated with an annual mint festival.
  Mr. Speaker, the City of Saint Johns has a rich history and a vibrant 
future. I ask all my colleagues to join me and the citizens of Saint 
Johns in recognizing the sesquicentennial of this historic Michigan 
city.

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