[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PAUL SPANIOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Paul Spaniola for his 83rd year as the owner of 
Paul's Pipe Shop in Downtown Flint. Paul's Pipe shop is a local 
landmark and has resided in the same location for over 48 years.
  Paul was born in Owosso, Michigan on January 29th, 1913. At the age 
of 15 he opened his original location in Morrice, Michigan. Shortly 
after, in 1930, he moved the shop to Swartz Creek. In 1948 he moved to 
Flint's Downtown District, where he resides to this day.
  Paul is a world renowned pipe smoker and his reputation precedes him 
in the competitive pipe smoking community. Paul is the only person to 
win the International Association of Pipe Smokers World Championship 
six times. He won his first championship in 1951 smoking for over 68 
minutes, again in 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, and his last in 1992 smoking 
for over 98 minutes.
  Through his travels as shop owner and world champion, Paul was able 
to smoke a pipe with many interesting people and celebrities. One very 
notable occasion came about when he was asked to teach Susan Hayward 
how to smoke a pipe for her role in ``The President's Lady.'' Others 
include Charles Stewart Mott, Billy Martin and Gov. G. Mennen Williams. 
As well as maintaining his shop and winning championships Paul is 
involved in many local charities and community organizations.
  Paul is known for his pipe shop but he is more than that. He is a 
devout Catholic and family man. Paul married Leona Merrill and had 11 
children. In 1978, Leona passed away. Several years later, he married 
Doris Bloss and she had 3 children. All together, Paul has 14 children, 
47 grandchildren, 74 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grand 
children.
  Mr. Speaker I would like to congratulate my friend Paul Spaniola on 
his 83rd years in business and his commitment to the downtown area.

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