[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE TOWN OF BAILEY, NORTH CAROLINA

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2007

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the centennial 
celebration of the town of Bailey, NC, in my Congressional District. 
Bailey was settled in the 18th century and became a charter town in 
Nash County in 1908. Bailey was named for the first settler in the 
township, Drewey Bailey.
  Bailey is predominately a farming community. A feed mill and lumber 
mill are located in the town to meet the needs of the agrarian 
surroundings. There are several established merchants orientated to 
supplying the farm community with all needed supplies for the 
agricultural industry. It is estimated that about 80 percent of the 
town's income can be accounted to farmers in the area. One of the first 
merchants in Bailey was Malachi Bissette. His store was one of the 
largest in the area. It was quite typical of the general store carrying 
``everything needed from birth to death, farm supplies, groceries, 
clothes, and coffins.'' Several of the first buildings of the town are 
still occupied.
  Bailey has two garment factories--the Bailey Garment Plant and 
Quality Textiles--which employ 150 persons combined. The leading non-
agricultural industry of the area in Neverson Quarry of the Superior 
Stone Company. The Quarry came into existence in 1913 by an act of 
Congress. In that year Congress authorized a harbor of refuge for ships 
in case of storms at Cape Lookout on the North Carolina coast. This 
necessitated the erection of two long sea walls behind which ships 
could seek protection. Furnishing stone for this breakwater lead to the 
opening of the Quarry.
  In 1948, the company changed its name to Bryan Rock and Sand Company. 
Under this and the Superior Stone Company leadership, the quarry has 
become one of the largest and most modem granite crushing plant, in the 
South. There is an average of two train loads of stone shipped from the 
quarry daily. This large shipment makes Bailey the fourth largest 
freight origination point on the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. 
Economically, the Bailey community benefits from this increased stone 
output. Approximately 100 workers are regularly employed, with local 
labor being used when possible.
  Civic life has always been an important part of the community. For 
many years there has been a masonic lodge in the town. In the early 
fifties, the masons constructed a building for their own use and for 
the recreational use of the town. Other established civic organizations 
include the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, the Lions Club, the 
Order of Eastern Star and Chamber of Commerce.
  Bailey has been host to several leaders on both the national and 
international level. President Harry S. Truman made a visit to the city 
when he was in office. In 1954, Bailey was host to President and Madame 
Bayar, President of the Republic of Turkey, and the staff of 
approximately 35 aides and press representatives. After Bayar's visit, 
officials of the high school and the staff of the school paper were 
entertained at the Turkish Embassy in exchange for the hospitality 
offered the president when he visited the town.
  Madam Speaker, Bailey has a rich history that makes it one of shining 
stars of Nash County and the State of North Carolina and I am proud to 
have the honor of representing this great town. It is fitting that we 
take a moment today to honor the centennial celebration of the town of 
Bailey.

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