[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF TAFT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the city of Taft, California, which is celebrating its 100th year of 
incorporation on Thursday, October 14, 2010.
  The city of Taft is located in the southwestern part of the San 
Joaquin Valley, and has quite a unique history. Named after our 27th 
President, William Howard Taft, starting in the late 1800s oil was 
discovered in the western San Joaquin Valley and overnight an oil town 
was born. The oil that was discovered was in the now-famous Midway-
Sunset region and Buena Vista Hills, and by 1910 Taft had officially 
become a fixture within Kern County. Standard Oil was one of Taft's 
primary employers and helped lay Taft's foundations by building 
numerous construction businesses, a machine shop, numerous supply 
shops, bunkhouses for workers, and dozens of company homes for 
employees. As one of the only towns remaining in the United States 
which exists solely because of nearby oil reserves, Taft has a rich 
historical connection to our County and the history of our Nation's 
domestic natural energy production.
  The operational activities within the oil fields surrounding Taft 
have been the economic lifeblood of the city for over 100 years. From 
the remnants of old wooden oil derricks, to the historic Taft Fort, 
Taft has become a hallmark of the prosperity and endurance that has 
distinguished our County's industries and progress. State Highway 33 is 
now called the Petroleum Highway because of legislation that I 
initiated when I was a State Assemblyman representing the 32nd district 
of California to recognize the national resource that has put Taft on 
the map. In celebration of its oil heritage, Taft holds an event every 
5 years called ``Oildorado.'' This year will be the first Oildorado 
celebration that will consist of 2 weekends and will include many 
traditions and activities such as the grand parade, Maids of Petroleum 
Oildorado Queen Pageant, barbecues, dances, a World War II aircraft 
exhibit, arts and crafts fair, and oilfield skills contests. Also 
included in this year's Oildorado celebration will be the unveiling and 
dedication of the Oil Worker Monument, built to honor all the men and 
women who have worked in the oilfields over the years.
  Taft has truly developed into a wonderful city of progress and yet 
through the years has still maintained a familiar, rural atmosphere 
making Taft a unique and enjoyable community to visit. The city of Taft 
is a vital component of California's 22nd District, and will continue 
to remain a place of economic importance and growth for the State of 
California. I recognize Taft and the members of its community in 
celebration of the city's 100th year of incorporation.

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