[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE VILLAGE OF PEOTONE, IL

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Village of Peotone 
which is celebrating its 150th birthday. The Village of Peotone lies 
wholly within the 11th Congressional District in Illinois.
  In 1856, the Illinois Central Railroad was completed. Land not held 
by the railroad was to be occupied by settlers. Thus, the Village of 
Peotone saw its first residents. Two years later the population of the 
town was 125 people and the first school began to teach classes in 
1860. In 1869, you could find dirt streets, several homes and a few 
businesses. The first Village Board was also formed in 1869.
  In 1871, Frederick Rathje and Christoph Elling agreed to construct a 
windmill to grind the grain from area farmers. In 1872, Fredericks son, 
H.A. Rathje built the Peotone Windmill. When the mill came into 
production it provided a variety of grain products such as fine wheat 
flour, rye, buckwheat flour, and cornmeal. The mill was also a primary 
source of feed for the local livestock industry. In 1982, Henry's 
grandson donated the mill and the land upon which it stands to the 
Village of Peotone. The H.A. Rathje is listed on the National Register 
of Historic Places.
  The Village of Peotone continued to grow and prosper. Many new 
businesses such as a photo gallery, an opera house, and blacksmith shop 
opened for business. Today, Peotone is a thriving community with over 
3,385 residents and over 60 businesses located within the Village. The 
Village boasts the tranquility of a country life-style where the 
streets are wide, curbed and shaded with ancient trees of all 
varieties.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other 
communities in their own districts which can be shown as an example of 
living the American dream.

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