[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF GLADEWATER

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker I ask unanimous consent to address the House 
for 5 minutes.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
75th anniversary of the town of Gladewater, Texas. Gladewater was 
incorporated on April 18, 1931. That was 11 days after oil was 
discovered 1 mile outside of town. With the discovery of oil, the town 
quickly experienced tremendous prosperity. During the 1930s people 
began to flock to the small East Texas town with the population 
swelling from 500 to 8,000 strong.
  With the depletion of petroleum reserves in the 1980s, the town was 
forced to attract and develop alternative forms of commerce. 
Gladewater, once known for its oil production, is now regarded as the 
antique capitol, with over 250 antique dealers and 16 antique malls. As 
a result of the Main Street Project and the downtown revitalization, 
the charming downtown area is now bustling once again with economic 
activity. Tourists from all over the southeast have now made this small 
Texas town a travel destination because of its shopping and its many 
attractions.
  Gladewater is a town of leaders with vision and workers with 
determination. From the nationally famous Gladewater Rodeo to the 
Fourth of July boat parade on its city lake, to its local merchants and 
citizens, Gladewater represents the best America has to offer. I 
congratulate the town of Gladewater on the remarkable first 75 years, 
with many more to come. It is a pleasure and an honor to be able to 
serve the citizens of Gladewater in the United States House of 
Representatives and to have so many of its citizens that I can call my 
friend.

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