[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE CLOVERDALE HISTORY CENTER

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Cloverdale Historical Society as it dedicates and opens the new 
Cloverdale History Center.
  The new 4,000 square foot, temperature controlled History Center will 
house and preserve a wide variety of artifacts and documents and 
provide accommodations for historical, genealogical and cultural 
research. It will be the centerpiece of a cultural renaissance in what 
has become Sonoma County's fastest growing city.
  The Society is staffed 100 percent by volunteers who take great pride 
in the area's heritage and its diversity. It was founded in 1968 by 
local residents dedicated to preserving the local history of this 
vibrant community.
  One of its more unique projects is its on-going work to completely 
restore Cloverdale's oldest residential structure. The Gould-Shaw house 
and its gardens face the town's main boulevard and lend a 19th century 
charm through its Gothic Revival architectural style.
  The Historical Society has also hosted the annual ``Old Time Fiddle 
Festival'' for the past 35 years. The event helps preserve the historic 
fiddling culture and has fostered appreciation for this distinctively 
American music among the thousands of visitors who have participated in 
this event throughout the years.
  Madam Speaker, the City of Cloverdale is rightfully proud of the 
Historical Society and its new History Center. It is therefore 
appropriate that we acknowledge and honor the Cloverdale Historical 
Society and the countless volunteers who have made this dream a 
reality.

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