[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE TOWN OF SARALAND, ALABAMA, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the town of 
Saraland, Alabama, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its 
founding.
  Saraland was founded in 1957. Don Diago Alvarez first acquired the 
land through a Spanish land grant. His descendants later named the 
community Alvarez Station. In the 1800s, land squatters relocated to 
the area and began purchasing property. The Cleveland family moved to 
the area and renamed the town Cleveland Station. However, the name by 
which we now know this historic town was given by the retired minister, 
C.J. Dewitt, who reportedly named it after his beloved wife, Sara.
  The industrial and population boom in neighboring Mobile brought the 
northward expansion into Saraland during the 1940s and 50s. When 
Saraland was incorporated in 1957, it had a reported 125 residents. The 
1960s U.S. Census reported a growing town at nearly 5,000. By 1980, 
that number had risen to nearly 10,000, and today, Saraland is home to 
over 12,000 residents with the promise of continued growth.
  Many prominent businesses have a presence in Saraland including 
Marshall Biscuits, Mitchell Container, G. A. West & Co., and J&J 
Furniture. Saraland is also home to the University of Mobile. Set in 
the woods, the university's 1,500 students distinguish themselves 
through academics and a strong religious tradition.
  Madam Speaker, the residents of Saraland, Alabama, have firmly rooted 
themselves in their proud history, but they also keep an optimistic and 
careful eye on the road ahead. The vision shown by their leaders over 
the past 50 years has led to the creation of a stable community, one of 
the anchors for all of Mobile County. I have no doubt that the 
consistent leadership and inspired vision of today's residents will 
lead to even greater successes in the coming years.
  It is my hope the town of Saraland continues its story of success for 
another 50 years, and it is my distinct pleasure to represent this fine 
community in the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________