[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROBSTOWN, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2007

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor ``The 
Biggest Little Town in Texas'': Robstown, Texas.
  Robstown has been ``Celebrating a Century'' this year, as the city 
turns 100 years old.
  This centennial celebration and resolution are especially important 
to me because Robstown is my hometown.
  I was born and raised there, attended the public schools there, and 
held my first job as a ``printer's devil'' at the local newspaper 
there.
  Cotton and vegetable farming played an important role in the history 
and economy of Robstown, named after prominent local Robert Driscoll.
  Robstown is a town where citizens are deeply committed to public 
service.
  We've sent sons and daughters to shape history in local, state, and 
Federal offices.
  County Commissioners, Sheriffs, District Attorneys, District Judges, 
Federal Judges, State Representatives--and this proud Member of 
Congress--can all trace their roots to Robstown.
  Noted actress and singer, Kathryn Grant Crosby, wife of the late 
great crooner Bing Crosby, also hails from Robstown.
  Robstown also has a great athletic tradition.
  Gene Upshaw, former NFL great for the Oakland Raiders, is from 
Robstown.
  Humberto ``Lefty'' Barrera, bantamweight boxer on the historic 1960 
Olympic team, who later earned an engineering degree at night school, 
also called Robstown home.
  Our students also excel in the classroom, including the Robstown High 
School Cotton Pickers, who have achieved much in the fields of 
academics and athletics.
  All year long, we have recognized the ``Century of Celebration'' 
which included a formal celebration on June 1.
  One of our greatest traditions is the annual Cottonfest, held in 
October.
  This year's was bigger and better than ever before.
  Live music, arts and crafts, sports competitions, cook offs, 
contests, carnivals, and historical exhibits provide something for 
everyone.
  We also have much to look forward to, as our town continues to grow.
  Robstown enters the 21st century at the crossroads of international 
trade due to its proximity to railroads, interstate highways, sea 
ports, and airports.
  Robstown will serve as a rail hub by connecting major railway 
companies--Texas Mexican Railway, Kansas City Southern, and Union 
Pacific--with direct links to Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Houston, San 
Antonio, and Laredo.
  Robstown is also home to the new Nueces County fairgrounds and an 
entertainment venue.
  My hometown is the future home of an inland port, which will be the 
first such port in the United States, and the future home of an Army 
storage facility.
  And no trip to Robstown would be complete without a filling yourself 
up with South Texas' best BBQ at Joe Cotten's.
  Cotten's is an iconic restaurant where many of you have joined me for 
lunch South Texas style.
  It is where presidential candidates, athletes, businessmen, cowboys, 
writers, astronauts, Generals, Admirals, other celebrities, and 
thousands of others have eaten over the years.
  Robstown is the best of our communities in South Texas--friendly, 
family-oriented, and proud of their history.
  It was in Robstown where my mother taught me my most important 
lesson: to always serve the community that gave me so many 
opportunities growing up.
  ``To whom much is given, much is expected.''
  Please join me in honoring Robstown on the city's 100th anniversary.
  I'd like to thank Mr. Clay and Mr. Issa.

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