[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 24, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RICHVALE, CALIFORNIA

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. Presdient, I am pleased to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the community of Richvale, CA. In 1909, settlers from 
the Midwest began to arrive by train and horse-drawn carriages to this 
town with hopes of creating a close-knit community. Over the last 
century, Richvale has grown from a small settlement town of a few 
families to the heart of rice country in northern California.
  As families settled in this small Butte County town in the early 
1900s, California's rice industry began to take shape. Richvale became 
an early producer of rice in the State with the support of local 
churches, general stores, and blacksmith shops. The strong sense of 
community, as well as ideal soil and climate conditions, led to the 
success of the region's dominance in growing rice. The Richvale 
community worked together closely to develop irrigation systems, soil 
improvement, conservation techniques, and formed cooperatives with 
their neighbors to store and dry their crops to increase their yields 
and fight agricultural-related pests and diseases. These practices 
served as a model for other rice growers as the industry began to grow 
throughout the Upper Sacramento Valley. The Rice Experiment Station, 
that has been in operation since 1912 and conducts innovative rice 
improvement research and seed production, is located just south of 
Richvale and is credited with much of the California rice industry's 
international success.
  Richvale's thriving commercial rice production continued as many of 
the men went to serve their country during World Wars I and II. The 
women of Richvale kept the industry alive by taking control of the 
responsibilities that included the day-to-day work, as well as the 
business side of the farming operations.
  Richvale continues to thrive as a cornerstone in California's rice 
country, while still maintaining their smalltown character that drew 
early settlers to the region. I commend the Richvale community for 
their success in both the rice industry and for serving as an example 
of the success that a small community of dedicated neighbors can 
accomplish when they come together around a common goal. I wish 
Richvale another 100 years of success.

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