[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 199 (Thursday, December 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1583-E1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE CITY OF DARIEN, ILLINOIS' 50TH BIRTHDAY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. SEAN CASTEN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2019

  Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 50th birthday of the city of Darien, Illinois.
  On December 13th, 1969 the communities of Marion Hills, Brookhaven, 
Farmingdale and Hinsbrook united to incorporate as the city Darien. 
Today, Darien is known as ``A Nice Place to Live,'' which perfectly 
describes this city.
  The area was initially inhabited by the Potowatami and Ottowa Native 
Americans with the surrounding waterways serving as their trade routes. 
The farming communities of Cass and Lace were established along a 
stagecoach line in the early 1800s. An inn, tavern and post office 
served 15 stagecoaches that transited the area. Today, Darien continues 
to serve as a transportation center with easy access to the commuter 
train line, as well as Interstates 55, 355 and 294.
  The six square mile town is home to approximately 6500 families. 
Darien is a vibrant, growing community dedicated to its citizens. The 
Indian Prairie Public Library has grown from a volunteer-operated 
bookmobile to a state-of-the-art facility that is a center for learning 
and community activities. The Park District Sportsplex includes three 
National Hockey League sized ice rinks as well as an

[[Page E1584]]

indoor soccer field, enabling children and adults from surrounding 
areas to hone their athletic skills. Civic pride and a commitment to 
others is demonstrated by organizations such as the Darien Woman's 
Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Good Work Sunny Patch Project, 
VFW, and the Darien Lions Club, which is one of the largest in the 
state. These groups serve others through food pantries, holiday giving, 
clothing drives, art and writing events, and scholarships.
  It is an honor and privilege to congratulate Darien on its 50 years 
of growth and accomplishments. I congratulate Mayor Joseph Marchese, 
the City of Darien's Birthday Committee, and each of its citizens on 
this wonderful milestone.

                          ____________________