[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 13, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4553-S4554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
McCALL, IDAHO
Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and
acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city of
McCall, ID. On July 19, 2011, the citizens of McCall will gather at
Depot Park to commemorate the 100th year of its founding. This is a
very historic and special day for this central Idaho community.
From its early days as a settlement in 1818, McCall has embodied the
frontier spirit and entrepreneurship that makes the United States a
land of opportunity. After a discovery of gold in the Salmon River
Mountains, miners
[[Page S4554]]
advanced along the west side of Payette Lake, accelerating the
construction of Warren Wagon Road. Around 1890, the town's namesake,
Tom McCall, plotted a 4-block town site from his homestead on the south
end of the lake, taking in the abandoned Lardo U.S. Post Office.
In the years following, there was an extraordinary amount of growth.
Tom McCall bought the Warren Gold Dredging Company sawmill, thus
initiating his lumber company that provided lumber for the
manufacturing of business buildings, hotels, and homes until the 1970s.
A school and post office were also established, with McCall naming
himself postmaster. A few short years later, the town was officially
incorporated on July 19, 1911.
In 1914, the railroad arrived in McCall bringing with it scores of
tourists. McCall's picturesque location on the shores of Payette Lake
and abundant snowfall and hot, dry summers make it a natural vacation
destination. And yes, this glacially-carved lake, nearly 400 feet deep,
is rumored to be the home of a sea serpent named ``Sharlie,'' which has
been sighted by tourists and locals alike over the past century.
The winter of '24 spawned the annual winter carnival. Its spectacular
snow sculptures now draw thousands each year. Even Hollywood took
notice of this beauty in 1938, when McCall served as the elaborate
backdrop of the Academy Award-nominated movie, ``Northwest Passage.''
Today, McCall is known as an alluring all-season vacation destination
anchored by historic Shore Lodge and the ski slopes at nearby Brundage
Mountain, which forge the frontier spirit of its people and enhance its
natural beauty. McCall has much to celebrate and look forward to in its
next century.
Congratulations to the vibrant town of McCall for 100 years of
success.
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