[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 89 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OKAWVILLE 175TH JUBILEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2013

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Village of 
Okawville on its 175th Anniversary. The village will celebrate this 
special jubilee on June 28 and 29, 2013, with a variety of community 
events, including a soapbox derby, children's parade, live music, and 
fireworks with the theme, ``Celebrate Okawville.''
   The Village of Okawville was founded in 1838 as the Village of 
Bridgeport and was renamed Okawville in 1870 by a wave of German 
immigrants. The village became popular for its mineral springs, where 
many visitors would come to relieve their ailments in the therapeutic 
waters.
   The village is now home to 1,400 residents and still boasts a strong 
German heritage. Besides the Original Springs Hotel, which offers spa 
services, the village also is home to the Heritage House Museum sites, 
which draw tourists to the area today.
   I extend my congratulations to The Village of Okawville upon this 
special occasion. It is my prayer that the Lord blesses them with many 
more years of extending hospitality.

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