[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING HELEN MADDOX ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special 
woman on a very special day--her 100th birthday. Helen Maddox was born 
on her family's small family farm in Romulus, Michigan on July 28, 
1914.
   She was the youngest of three and admits that while she was 
surrounded by love, life back then wasn't always easy. There was always 
a long list of chores that included taking care of the animals and 
helping with the crops.
   Helen worked at a roadside stand selling fruits and vegetables and 
says her curly hair was a great marketing tool. People would stop 
because of her cute curls, and then buy something.
   Her parents were community leaders and that is a trait that rubbed 
off on Helen.
   Like many people who weren't lucky enough to be born in Texas, she 
moved there as an adult. She immediately became involved in the small, 
but growing community of Arlington, Texas. Back then it was a town of 
just 15,000, now it is close to 400,000. Helen Maddox played a role in 
making it a big city with a small town feel.
   She started attending city council meetings so she could keep up 
with what was going on and support city leaders. Helen founded the 
Arlington Women's Club in 1957 and it is still going strong. She also 
worked with longtime Mayor Tom Vandergriff to organize the YMCA.
   She and her late husband loved to travel, many times hitting the 
road in their Winnebago.
   Helen slowly got more involved in Republican politics. In 1986 she 
got an invitation to have tea at the White House with Nancy Reagan.
   When Arlington became part of my district 20 years ago, Helen was 
one of the first people to welcome me. She was 80 at the time, but 
still full of life and her love of Arlington and America was 
infectious.
   As she hits 100 she is still active in the community. I am proud 
today to say Happy 100th Birthday to my friend--Helen Maddox!

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