[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF CENTER LINE, MICHIGAN ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the city of Center 
Line, Michigan, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary of being 
incorporated as a city this weekend.
  The city of Center Line is located north of Detroit in Macomb County 
and was incorporated in 1936. The city has a rich heritage, and is 
known as a warm, family-oriented and tight-knit community. Residents 
have always prided themselves on maintaining the community's distinct 
identity and small-town feel. After 75 years of growth and change, that 
local spirit remains embodied in the city.
  The area incorporated as a village in 1925 and transitioned to 
cityhood in 1936. The Center Line name derives from the center of three 
Native American trails named by the French that led north from Detroit 
to other trading posts. The middle trail, known as the ``Centre Line,'' 
became the main road used by early settlers travelling between the 
cities of Detroit and Utica. It became known as Center Line Road, and 
today is Sherwood Avenue.
  The ``center'' of town became Van Dyke Avenue after construction of 
St. Clement Catholic Church in 1854. St. Clement has been one of the 
defining landmarks of the city. In addition to the many Catholic 
families that settled in Center Line, a large number of the residents 
that migrated from Detroit to settle in Center Line are of French, 
German, Belgium and Irish descent. These close-knit families have lived 
in the city their whole lives, many now going on the three generations.
  The city of Center Line embodies the American dream: Hard-working, 
middle class families, many of whom worked their way up the economic 
ladder through employment in the domestic auto industry and also 
serving honorably in our country's armed services.
  As the city of Center Line commemorates this milestone, I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating its residents, elected 
officials, and businesses as they celebrate their history, preserve 
their rich local heritage, and look forward to growth and prosperity in 
the future.

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