[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE TOWN OF BROADWAY, NORTH CAROLINA

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the centennial 
celebration of the town of Broadway, North Carolina, in my 
congressional district. Broadway was settled in 1870 and became a 
charter town in Lee County in 1907.
  When Broadway was settled in 1870 it was an area of houses, a few 
stores, and small businesses. Two of the first people to settle in 
Broadway were Hugh Matthews and Grissom Thomas, and their descendents 
still reside there. In March 1905, the Atlantic and Western Railroad 
system connected Broadway to other towns and cities throughout the 
state of North Carolina. In 1907 M. A. McLeod became the first mayor of 
the town, followed in 1912 by A. P. Thomas, who established streets and 
street lights in Broadway. The Town's longest serving mayor was Ralph 
Hunter. He was a write-in candidate in the 1963 election and served 
until 1993. While under Mayor Hunter's leadership, Broadway began using 
a modern water system as well as a sewage plant that was completed in 
1986. Mayor Hunter was a dedicated public servant who worked hard for 
the town of Broadway and its residents.
  After the tragedy of September 11, 2001 the city of New York wanted 
to give back to the country. Organizers planned ``New York loves 
America,'' a tour of stage actors. It was a show that made stops in 
major U.S. cities as well as Broadway, North Carolina. During the 
performance the organizers gave a fire hat signed by firemen from New 
York, former New York mayor Rudy Guliani, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 
It was given to the town and is on display in the Broadway Town Hall.
  Madam Speaker, the town of Broadway has always been dear to my family 
since it is the hometown of my lovely wife, Faye Etheridge. It is 
fitting that we take a moment today to honor the centennial celebration 
of the town of Broadway.

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