[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING FERDINAND, INDIANA ON ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to honor the town of 
Ferdinand on its 175th anniversary and to recognize the many 
contributions of Ferdinand's citizens to the surrounding communities, 
the great State of Indiana, and to our country.
  Ferdinand's history dates to the mid-1800s when Dubois County was 
known for its merchants and tobacco market. The town was established on 
January 8, 1840, as a resting point for travelers and was officially 
incorporated as a town in 1905. Ferdinand quickly began to grow and 
develop with the discovery of materials needed to make paint. The town 
began manufacturing paint and developed the largest foundry in the 
county. By the end of the 19th century, Ferdinand innovated as 
industries changed and grew to include manufacturing plants, small 
businesses, a mill, schools, churches, and a convent. Today, 
manufacturing continues to be its top industry.
  Ferdinand is a community of 2,500 citizens located in the beautiful 
hills of southern Indiana. Throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts 
visit Ferdinand to take advantage of its numerous natural wonders. 
Camping, hunting, swimming, fishing, and hiking are just a handful of 
the activities available to visitors. Since its founding, Ferdinand has 
remained the home to some of our State's most beautiful parks and 
forests, plus an expanding trail system. Ferdinand is home to the 
Ferdinand State Forest, a historic Benedictine monastery, and the 
Ferdinand Folk Festival. The community is also a short drive from 
Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home and the gravesite of his mother, Nancy 
Hanks Lincoln.
  The strength of Ferdinand is rooted in an importance placed on 
community, family values, and quality education. Ferdinand Elementary 
School and Cedar Crest Intermediate School are both four-star academic 
institutions that provide quality education to young Hoosiers. 
Furthermore, the residents of Ferdinand are widely known for their 
strong work ethic, sense of community, and Hoosier hospitality. It is 
due to these enduring qualities that Ferdinand has been a contributor 
to Indiana's success. It is a great honor to represent the town of 
Ferdinand, also known as the ``gateway to Dubois County and a gateway 
to opportunity,'' in the Senate. On behalf of the State of Indiana, I 
congratulate each and every citizen of Ferdinand on the town's 175th 
anniversary and wish you continued success and prosperity in the 
future.

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