[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15370]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO ELLA MOON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today 
to pay tribute to Ella Moon of Fruita, Colorado. Ella Moon is the 
person behind Moon Farm, a remarkable place where thousands of kids 
have gone to play and learn for nearly four decades.
  It all began in 1954 when Ella and Wallace Moon moved from Utah to an 
old hog farm in Western Colorado. Their children needed something to do 
during the summer so they built a tree house. The following summer, the 
kids built a small one-room schoolhouse. As the years rolled on, the 
ideas kept coming, and eventually the property included homes 
resembling those in Italy, Mexico, Japan, and the Middle East. A log 
cabin, Pyramid, and a Viking ship went up too.
  Soon people the Moons had never met were stopping by to enjoy the 
buildings and have picnics on their lawn. The Moons embraced these 
visitors, offering pony rides and a petting zoo, which included a 
llama, peacocks and other animals. Visiting children learned Indian 
dances, performed in talent shows, and listened to Ella's riveting 
stories.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great joy to recognize Ella Moon. Although 
Ella is now 85 years old, she still plays with the kids, tells them 
stories, and teaches them lessons they can use in real life. Ella has 
helped create a unique place where children can play, learn, and grow. 
I thank Ella for her many contributions to her community.

                          ____________________