[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER, IOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city and 
residents of Alexander, Iowa on the occasion of the celebration of the 
city's Quasquicentennial during the weekend of June 18, 19 and 20, 
2010. Alexander is located in North Central Iowa and is home to 
approximately 165 people.
  The expansion of the Central Railroad of Iowa through Scott Township 
in Franklin County was a significant development that began the storied 
history of Alexander, Iowa. In 1885, the town began with the completion 
of the Alexander station and Alexander was platted by F.E. Carter.
  Before Harvey Yaw donated the lot for the first schoolhouse in 
Alexander in 1882, children went to school in old country schoolhouses, 
one in every two-mile section. Alexander developed in the 1890's with a 
dry goods store, livery stable, drug store, hotel, harness shop, pool 
hall, blacksmith shop, grocery store and churches of various 
denominations. The community of Alexander survived and persevered 
through the tribulations of the blizzard of 1911 and 1912, a major fire 
on Main Street in 1920 and a disastrous tornado in 1925.
  One hundred twenty-five years is a testament to a strong and united 
community that I am also proud to call my hometown. Alexander has 
continued to survive the test of time, and for this I offer the 
community of Alexander my congratulations. It is an honor to represent 
the citizens of Alexander and Mayor Arlen Olson in the United States 
Congress, and I know that all of my colleagues join me in wishing 
everyone a safe and successful celebration and an equally storied next 
125 years.

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