[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E929-E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DAYTON, TEXAS IS 100 YEARS OLD

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the 
citizens of Dayton, Texas on the celebration of their city's 100th 
anniversary. Towns like the quiet, country living, of Dayton, Texas are 
why so many new people and businesses continue to move to Texas.
  Beginning as a small agricultural village, Dayton was home to rugged 
Texas ranchers, farmers, and loggers. For many years, lumbering and 
ranching were the main industry until they established a drainage 
system. This establishment worked to make Rice the area's major crop. 
Still today, rice farms are still thriving in Southeast Texas. I am 
proud to represent Texas Rice Farmers, who continue to be hard-working, 
well-educated, God fearing Americans.
  Modern amenities were brought to Dayton at the turn of the 20th 
century. They opened a bank, had two cotton gins, as well as a weekly 
newspaper. So much so that in 1911, Dayton was recorded as an 
incorporated municipality. The 20s roared in with the nearby founding 
of Humble Oil and Refining Company, which later became Exxon. As a 
result, Dayton grew along with the refinery when oil roughnecks began 
purchasing homes in and around the town.
  The 1930s and 40s solidified the Greatest Generation in our Nation's 
history. Dayton is home to many heroes who served in our military 
during this time. Twelve such heroes who live in Dayton are the 
Ripkowski brothers. Growing up on a 200 acre Corn and Cotton Farm, they 
were a long way from the theater they would soon find themselves 
fighting in. Nonetheless, As World War II began; each of the brothers 
answered their country's call of duty to serve in the military. One 
after the other. Miraculously, all of the brothers survived the war and 
returned to Texas! These brothers are typical of the hard-working, law-
abiding Texans that live in Dayton, Texas. They are charter members of 
the Greatest Generation.
  Bringing air conditioning, the baby boom, and the Vietnam War the 
1950's and 60's presented many more changes to the small town. The 
1970s saw the biggest rise in fame and fortune with the oil boom, but 
was followed by the biggest fall from grace in the 80s. Nonetheless, 
Dayton emerged unscathed in the 1990s, and continues today as a unique, 
thriving, city that is rich in history, pride and perseverance.
  Today, farming and logging and oil are still a part of this diverse, 
vibrant community. Dayton continues to live up to its rich legacy of 
industry mixed with community spirit. Dayton is a thriving community, 
home to growing families, excellent schools, community organizations, 
friendly churches, new library, new community center, rodeo arena and 
parks.
  Dayton, like many other Texas towns, Dayton residents are still 
heavily involved in supporting our Troops. One such example is the 
recent creation of two war memorials, each paying tribute to the men 
and women who have served our country. Patriotism is truly a part of 
these folks makeup. Never more so was this patriotism demonstrated than 
on July 10, 2010. At the age of 24, Staff Sergeant Jesse Ainsworth of 
Dayton, Texas was killed by enemy action in Afghanistan. At his 
funeral, hundreds of residents lined the streets of Dayton paying 
tribute to one of their heroes. Many of those on the streets carried 
flags and yellow ribbons; while others held signs saying ``Proud of 
You'', ``Proud to be an American'' or ``Thank You.'' As the funeral 
procession made its way to throughout the town, residents of Dayton, 
with tearful eyes and grateful hearts, saluted the Ainsworth family.
  Dayton's fire and police departments are among the best in Texas. 
Dayton ISD provides outstanding educational opportunities for

[[Page E930]]

students. Dayton High School is home to a Texas religion-Texas 
Football. The entire community comes together; people from all walks of 
life get together every weekend and share in the tears and cheers and 
root their team to victory.
  It is an honor to represent the citizens of Dayton, Texas in the 
United States House of Representatives. I am proud to have worked with 
Dayton Mayor Steve Stephens and the city council on numerous projects 
concerning the city. I commend them for their leadership in helping 
Dayton grow. I am truly proud to represent this patriotic town.
  I look forward to seeing Dayton prosper in the future and wish the 
city ``Happy Birthday'' as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  That's just the way it is.

                          ____________________