[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RETAIL OPERATIONS AT ECKERT'S FAMILY 
                                 FARMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of retail operations at 
Eckert's Family Farms in Belleville, Illinois.
  The Eckert family has been involved in farming since their ancestor, 
Johann Peter Eckert, came to this country from Germany in the 1830's. 
The first fruit trees, for which the family has become renowned in 
southwestern Illinois and surrounding areas, were planted near 
Fayetteville, Illinois, almost 150 years ago., Alvin O. Eckert opened a 
roadside produce stand on what was known as Turkey Hill, near 
Belleville, Illinois, in 1910. Thus was born a tradition that has grown 
and prospered for 100 years.
  Currently, sixth and seventh generation Eckert family members oversee 
an operation that includes multiple orchards, a newly expanding country 
store and restaurant, garden center and wholesale operations. 
Generations of area families have built memories and savored the 
produce at Eckert's pick-your-own orchards, which are the largest 
family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchards in the United States.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
100th Anniversary of retail operations at Eckert's family farms and to 
wish the Eckert family and all of their employees the very best for 
many years to come.

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