[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH 
               ANNIVERSARY OF ITS INCORPORATION AS A CITY

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, after half a century of growth and change, 
Roseville remains a warm, family-oriented community. Roseville has a 
broad spectrum of residents who have lived here their whole lives and 
are the history of this city. They have a vibrant school district, a 
healthy business district, dedicated local elected officials, and 
active community volunteers.
  Roseville has a wonderful history. The roots of this farming 
community go back to the days before Michigan gained statehood in 1837. 
A Congressional appropriations in 1828 provided funds for the 
construction of a military road connecting Fort Detroit and Fort 
Gratiot (now Port Huron). The completion of the Gratiot turnpike in 
1831 brought settlers of Belgian, English, French, German and Irish 
descent. Orange Township encompassed the present cities of Eastpointe, 
Fraser, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, and part of Warren.
  In 1836, William Rose was appointed the areas first postmaster. He 
established a permanent office in 1840, called the Roseville Post 
Office, after his father Denison Rose, a hero of the War of 1812.
  In 1846, a wooden plank toll road (now known as Gratiot Avenue or M-
3) was constructed, connecting the community with Detroit and Mount 
Clemens. One of the tollgates was located at Gratiot Avenue and Utica 
Road, the intersection known as ``The Junction.'' Along with the 
tollgate were a toll house, general store, wagon and blacksmith shop, 
and the Junction Hotel, built in 1836. Roseville was also home to the 
state's first commercial airport, the Roseville Airport. It was also 
known as Packard Field and Hartung Airport. The airport originally set 
on the land now comprising Eastgate Shopping Center, the first shopping 
center of its kind in Michigan.
  The City of Roseville is now a community of nearly 48,000. While the 
city is almost fully developed, a proactive approach to attracting and 
retaining businesses over the years has led to reinvestment and 
expansion of existing properties. Retail is a main attraction with over 
60 miscellaneous stores available and over 96 restaurants. From the 
recreation programs for the very young, to the newly renovated 
community center for senior citizens, Roseville continues to provide 
outstanding opportunities for its residents as well as the business 
community.
  As the City of Roseville celebrates this important occasion, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating its citizens as they celebrate 
the past and focus on the future.

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