[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF LEONARD HALL'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leonard Hall of 
Armona, California who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on April 
24, 2006.
  Mr. Hall was born in 1906 to parents Clarence R. Leonard and Ida Mae 
Hall. Leonard learned at a young age the daily routine of life on a 
farm. When he was in his early twenties, Leonard began farming on his 
own. Soon his business grew to include a dairy and he also raised and 
sold cattle. Mr. Hall successfully ran his business for about 80 years.
  Leonard Hall once stated, ``I think everyone should give back 
something to the community where they lived. How else are we going to 
keep our memories alive?'' These were not words without substance--Mr. 
Hall is a great advocate for his hometown and has financially supported 
several important projects within Kings County.
  In remembrance of his wife Katherine, he gave financial support to 
the Burris Park Museum in Hanford. The museum recognized the gracious 
gift by dedicating the new wing of the museum in her name. The Hanford 
Carnegie Museum also benefited from Mr. Hall's generous donations. With 
his help the institution was able to install a new foundation and also 
introduce the original Beacon Oil office as an historical exhibit.
  Perhaps the most poignant of his contributions is the funding he 
provided to help restore the Grangeville Church, which is known as the 
first church of Kings County. For Mr. Hall, the renovation was not just 
for the purpose of historical preservation but it was a way for him to 
honor the memory of his parents, who were wed there at the turn of the 
century.
  Leonard Hall's generosity is his way of saying thank you for all the 
wonderful memories. During this momentous occasion of Leonard Hall's 
100th birthday, I would like to wish to him and his family all the 
best. I would also like to extend, on behalf of the residents of Kings 
County, heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for Mr. Hall's generosity 
that has helped preserve the past for the generations of the future.

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