[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20039]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE TOWN OF CHATOM, ALABAMA, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2004

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the community of 
Chatom, Alabama, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its 
founding.
  Founded on October 4, 1904, Chatom was named the county seat of 
Washington County three years later. During the past 100 years, the 
citizens and officials of this community have created a very rich and 
diverse history, and have worked tirelessly to provide the best 
benefits possible for themselves and their county.
  As a result of efforts by many individuals and community 
organizations, the county's first high school was located in Chatom, 
providing more readily-available educational opportunities for the 
families in the town and the surrounding area. Between 1952 and 1956, 
the Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home and the county's public 
library were both opened in Chatom, providing greater access to 
healthcare and cultural resources.
  During the past four decades, the citizens and leaders of Chatom have 
worked tirelessly to put into place recreational and infrastructure 
resources which could be used to attract outside industry and lead to 
an increase in the population base. These innovations have included the 
construction of the Roy Wilcox Airport in 1963, the opening of an 18-
hole public golf course in 1995, and the establishment of the Chatom 
Community Center in 2000.
  Mr. Speaker, the 1,205 residents of Chatom, Alabama, are firmly 
rooted in their proud past, and at the same time are keeping a careful 
and optimistic eye on the road ahead. The vision displayed by their 
community leaders during the past 100 years has led to the creation of 
a stable community and an anchor for all of Washington County, and I 
have no doubt that the continued inspired leadership and vision of 
today's residents and leaders will lead to even greater successes in 
the years ahead.
  It is my hope the Town of Chatom continues its story of success for 
another one hundred years.

                          ____________________