[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 14, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ARAGON, GEORGIA

 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I wish to commemorate the 
Centennial of the city of Aragon, GA, on July 23, 2014.
  During the past 100 years, Aragon has seen both good times and 
difficult times. Through periods of growth, economic struggle and 
social change, the leaders and residents of Aragon have upheld their 
commitment to remaining a city.
  The origin of the city's name of Aragon has been widely disputed by 
historians. Some claim that Aragon was named after the Hotel Aragon 
located on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA, where some of the mill 
owners stayed when visiting the area. Others believe the city was named 
for the mineral aragonite that was mined nearby.
  The city of Aragon was founded in 1899 in Polk County, GA. The city 
charter was adopted on July 23, 1914, and was approved by Georgia 
Governor John M. Slaton. The first three commissioners were Fred O. 
Myers, J.H. Arnold and R.L. Huckabe.
  The city was established in 1898 in northwest Georgia following the 
construction of a mill by Wolcott and Campbell of New York. Over the 
years, numerous additions and improvements were made to the mill, which 
employed hundreds of workers and contributed to the livelihood of many 
families in the community. The mill closed for good in 1994 and 
remained empty until 1998 when it was purchased by brothers Brian and 
Kirk Spears and used as a production facility for pillows and wooden 
pallets until August 6, 2002, when fire engulfed and decimated the 
complex.
  At the time of this centennial celebration, the local government is 
vested in Mayor Ken Suffridge and Councilmen Curtis Burrus, Mayor Pro 
Tem Duel Mitchell, Kevin Prewett and Hunter Spinks. They are dedicated 
to ensuring the city and its citizens are ready for tomorrow's 
challenges, and remain loyal to its motto, ``A Proud Past With A 
Promising Future.''
  I congratulate the residents of Aragon, GA, on their centennial year 
and wish them great success with observances that raise awareness of 
and appreciation for the city of Aragon's contributions to the 
development and vitality of Polk County, GA. I hope that residents will 
use this year as an opportunity to learn more about the rich history of 
their community.

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