[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE CITY OF MISHAWAKA ON ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the City of 
Mishawaka, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary.
   The Second District of Indiana is proud to have cities like 
Mishawaka that exemplify Hoosier values and emphasize the importance of 
community. Built along the St. Joseph River and named after Princess 
Mishawaka, daughter of Shawnee Chief Elkhart, Mishawaka has been an 
evolving city reflecting the needs of the world while maintaining its 
own culture.
   Founded in 1831 and incorporated in 1833, Mishawaka grew from a 
mining town to the ``Peppermint Capital'' to a thriving city which is 
now home to the only Hummer H1 and H2 assembly plants in the United 
States. Mishawaka is also home to the Grape Road Commercial Corridor, 
the second largest retail market in the State of Indiana. Mishawaka's 
picturesque downtown area is undergoing a revitalization with the 
addition of retail, restaurants and homes that maintain the small town 
character that defines the city.
   Mishawaka has a rich cultural life as well. It is home to the 
Nation's largest and oldest wiffleball tournament, the World Wiffleball 
Championship. Mishawaka also believes in the value of neighbors and 
neighborhoods, demonstrated in neighborhoods intentionally built to 
maintain a ``hometown'' feel as well as a total of 27 community parks. 
One park contains a Japanese style garden created in honor of 
Mishawaka's sister city, Shiojiri, Japan.
   I am proud to rise today to congratulate Mishawaka, Indiana and its 
47,000 residents on 175 years of rich history and wish them a bright 
future.




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