[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BERKLEY, MICHIGAN

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2007

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the City of 
Berkley, in Oakland County, MI, which is celebrating its 75th 
anniversary this week. This City's rich history and enduring 
perseverance serves as a shining example of the mettle of all 
Michiganders.
  Before being established as a village in 1823, Berkley was part of a 
vast forest and swamp teeming with quicksand and other perils. Despite 
these hardships, settlers pressed on through the wilderness outside of 
Detroit to stake their claims in Berkley. By 1832, the burgeoning 
number of settlers arriving in Detroit warranted a stagecoach route 
that ran through Berkley on the way to Pontiac.
  Berkley, along with many other communities, suffered through many 
adversities during the Great Depression. However, the village met those 
challenges head on and established a pay-as-you-go plan, spending only 
what it took in, in order to continue to govern responsibly. Many of 
the residents became active in local politics, and upon learning of the 
benefits of becoming a city, the discussion commenced.
  After a year of debate and preparation, the residents of Berkley 
adopted a city charter, and elected a mayor and six commissioners. On 
May 23, 1932, now with a population of 6,000, the City of Berkley was 
established. With Detroit opening up its factories to produce materials 
at the onset of World War II, the residents of Berkley joined in the 
war effort. In 1946 Berkley had spent more for constructing new 
facilities and factories than any other city in Oakland County.
  Madam Speaker, today Berkley is a vibrant community in Oakland County 
that is home to over 15,000 residents, a state-of-the-art library, and 
a bustling downtown district. I congratulate them on their 75th 
anniversary and wish the residents many more years of prosperity.

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