[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE TOWN OF COLLIERVILLE, ``AMERICA'S BEST MAIN STREET''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEPHEN LEE FINCHER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. FINCHER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate the 
Town of Collierville, TN on winning Parade Magazine's ``America's Best 
Main Street'' contest. Over 2,000 main streets were nominated and 
ultimately trimmed down to the best 16 representatives. The finalists 
faced off in a bracket-styled competition that demonstrated not only 
Collierville's beauty and livability, but also the dedication and pride 
of the citizens of the Town of Collierville.
   The history of Collierville dates back to 1836, when Jessie Collier 
divided his farm into lots and posted an advertisement that lots were 
for sale in the Town of Collier. Originally incorporated in 1850, 
Collierville was the scene of a bloody Civil War battle the featured 
famed Union General William T. Sherman. Following war and 
reconstruction, Collierville was re-incorporated in 1870 with a 
picturesque downtown square with the town's businesses surrounding it. 
The Square's iconic gazebo today serves as the focal point of annual 
fairs, festivals, and political activities with the ever-changing 
colors of the season the backdrop. The Town of Collierville's Historic 
Town Square doubles as the business and social center of the town, 
playing host to a wide array of small businesses and local restaurants 
that exemplify what small-town America is all about.
   From inception to war, from cotton to dairy, from the industrial 
revolution to information age, the Town of Collierville has maintained 
its southern tradition and charm. The voters of Parade Magazine could 
not have made a better choice and I am indeed privileged to represent 
the Town of Collierville. On behalf of Tennessee's 8th Congressional 
District, I congratulate the Town of Collierville on winning Parade 
Magazine's ``America's Best Main Street'' contest.

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