[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 165 (Tuesday, November 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1705-E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF BRAMWELL, WEST VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 19, 2013

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, nestled in a picturesque valley setting, 
amidst gently sloped green hills, complete with a meandering river is 
the town of Bramwell, West Virginia, which celebrates its 125th 
birthday tomorrow.
  Coal was very much a part of the genesis of Bramwell. It is a town 
that was home to many coal mine owners and operators. So much so in 
fact, this small town was once able to boast of more per capita 
millionaires than any town in the country. Entrepreneurism still reigns 
in Bramwell, although today it is not as much of the pocketbook as it 
is of the heart. Many of the town's grand homes have been painstakingly 
and lovingly preserved by homeowners.
  Throughout the year, the town hosts a number of festive events that 
celebrate its coal heritage. Every Christmas, homes are opened for 
tours and period costumed, well versed and pithy witted interpreters 
will guide visitors through a domestic lifestyle enjoyed in yesteryear. 
Each spring, home tours welcome the new season just as cordially and 
each fall, the Bramwell Octoberfest is not to be missed.
  However, any day of the year is a good day to visit this homage to 
history. Visitors will be met with a sincere pride in our coal 
heritage, the heritage of our families and of our State. That sense of 
pride is just as alive and kicking as ever. For everyone in Bramwell, 
history is not a thing of the past; it is a prologue to the future. In 
fact, the future of this temperate region fittingly dubbed Four Seasons 
Country, is bright, largely due to the efforts of communities like 
Bramwell.
  For the same pioneering spirit that established deep roots here, the 
same productive

[[Page E1706]]

mindset that grew this small town into a considerable per capita 
national asset; the same soul that said our best days are yet ahead; 
this town, with its share of Bluestone, is seeing more and more blue 
skies each day. And the word has spread. From Hatfield and McCoy Trail 
riders, from national and international Boy Scouts of America and their 
families, to even our neighbors here in the Virginias, Bramwell has 
become a distinctive, desirable destination in and of its own right. Of 
that we are most proud.
  I take great pride myself in playing a role in bringing the federal 
resources to bear so that the Bramwell story can be told and retold 
1,025 years from now. From Coal Heritage funding to supporting funding 
for VISTA to help staff the new Farmer's Market, Bramwell is one heck 
of a good, sound federal investment. And, boy, that's a story we can 
share with the world.
  It's a story that exceeds the fame and infamy of the fabled fortunes 
of coal barons. It's a tale with far broader implications than a slice 
of living history romanticized for a few days of entertainment. It is 
nothing short of a life's lesson, of a people not giving up nor giving 
in. And it is proof positive of the productivity that comes from a 
close knit group of people who work together for the common good.
  Mr. Speaker, the work and achievements this town's citizens have 
forged constitute nothing short of a model for the country.
  I hope my colleagues will take note of this national investment and 
take time to visit soon. They may feel completely free to share this 
treasure of a town with their constituents. Bramwell welcomes all.
  To all my good friends in Bramwell, I wish you a very Happy Birthday 
and Godspeed.

                          ____________________