[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAKE ELMO, MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2025

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. On Saturday, September 
13, 2025, residents of Lake Elmo kicked off a month of celebrations 
with family, friends, and neighbors at Lions Park, including a flyover 
from the Commemorative Air Force of South St. Paul, Minnesota. Natural 
beauty, clear waters, and good fishing have long attracted people to 
the waters of what was then called Bass Lake and neighboring lakes. In 
1848, it is believed that two Virginians, Bernard and Maria Cyphers 
were the first white settlers to the area. Just south of Sunfish Lake, 
the Cyphers built a hotel and tavern called the Lake House. In 1850, 
Stillwater Road was built through the community, which served as the 
main route for stagecoaches taking passengers between Saint Paul and 
Stillwater.
  By 1872, the Saint Paul, Stillwater and Taylor's Falls Railroad--
later the Omaha Road--was built, making it easier for tourists to reach 
the lake from Saint Paul. A post office was established at Bass Lake 
Station, with the Lake House being used as a town meeting site. In 
1879, a prominent Saint Paul businessman and railroad promotor named 
Alpheus B. Stickney was prompted by his wife Kate to pick Lake Elmo as 
the new name for the growing village and its largest lake, which was a 
name believed to be based on a popular character in literature at the 
time.
  Utilizing the city's nearby environment and valuable natural 
resources, Lake Elmo quickly became a popular summer resort. With the 
railways in place, Lake Elmo also became a bustling commercial hub for 
agriculture and industry, supplying farmers with grain houses, 
blacksmiths, and repair shops. After Stillwater Road was fully paved 
and completed in 1920, the village underwent rapid development. In 
1925, supported by economic activity, the downtown was formalized as 
Lake Elmo Village.
  While no longer an agricultural hub, Lake Elmo continues to share its 
natural wonders with surrounding communities. Lake Elmo Regional Park 
Reserve and Sunfish Lake Park offer our community access to the 
outdoors with modern and equestrian campgrounds, fishing piers, a boat 
launch, and trails for hiking and bicycling.
  Lake Elmo has played a special role in Minnesota as a place of 
historic significance and great natural beauty. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lake Elmo.