[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1021-E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SUCCESS OF THE ROMAN MEAL COMPANY ON THEIR 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker I rise to honor the Roman Meal 
Company and the Matthaei family on the company's l00th anniversary. 
This impressive milestone places Roman Meal among fewer than 25 private 
companies in the United States who have been in business for one 
century.
  The company was founded in 1912 by Robert Jackson, a Canadian 
physician and historian, who came to Tacoma, WA for medical

[[Page E1022]]

treatment. Mr. Jackson studied how Roman legionnaires fought, and 
discovered they ate a diet that included wheat and rye for strength and 
stamina. He then developed a hot cereal meal based on that diet.
  In 1927, William Matthaei purchased the Roman Meal Health Company. 
The Matthaei family used centuries of baking knowledge and Mr. 
Jackson's formula to develop Roman Meal Bread. William Matthaei's son, 
Charles, still comes to work every day at the age of 92 and his 
grandson, William, serves as CEO.
  Running a company continuously for 100 years requires more than 
outstanding products. Roman Meal's ability to survive through the Great 
Depression, multiple recessions, and evolving consumer preferences 
required that the company adapt quickly to changes in the marketplace. 
Pressures from competition and trade demanded that they constantly 
innovate to stay ahead.
  Mr. Speaker it is with great pleasure that I recognize the success of 
the Roman Meal Company and the Matthaei family in creating an excellent 
product and a dynamic company that has thrived for 100 years. I wish 
them continued success.

                          ____________________