[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        VALENTINE RANCH TRIBUTE

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Valentine Ranch of 
Aguilar, Colorado. The ranch was founded in 1908 by Italian immigrant 
Giovanni Leopoldo Valentini. Valentini was born in Austria in 1869 and 
immigrated to the United States in 1887, acquiring work at the 
Engleville Mine in Colorado. Soon thereafter, he changed his name to 
John Lee Valentine. He married Rachale Conter and the couple had six 
children.
  Over the years, John worked many unique jobs, including being a baker 
and a saloon keeper. In 1907, he purchased a ranch in Los Animas 
County. John and his wife lived happily the rest of their lives at the 
ranch. After John's passing in 1947 and Rachale's in 1950, Gus and June 
Valentine inherited the ranch and also raised children of their own.
  Gus passed away in 1987, but June still resides at the ranch with her 
son Dan and his wife Sandi. The family continues to enjoy sustained 
success with their crops and cattle. The Centennial Farms Program has 
chosen the Valentine Ranch as one of this year's honorees.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the Valentine Ranch today on 
the floor of the House. The ranch is a symbol of the entrepreneurial 
spirit our Nation has so long enjoyed and exemplified.

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