[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21912]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 150 years ago two 
rural communities, Melendez and Pierceville, merged to form the city we 
know today as Brooksville, FL. Located in the heart of Florida's Nature 
Coast, since its founding in 1856, Brooksville has grown into a 
community with a rich history and unique traditions.
  Unlike many Florida towns, Brooksville is not named for a local 
resident or indigenous Indian Tribe, but for one of the 19th century's 
foremost spokesmen in the halls of Congress, Preston Brooks. Mr. Brooks 
of South Carolina was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives 
from 1853 to 1856, and is the city's namesake. The citizens of Hernando 
County admired his defense of States' rights and voted to give the 
county's largest settlement his name.
  In 1856, the city of Brooksville was still in an unsafe part of the 
State. Located in the northeastern corner of the city is the historic 
Fort Desoto. This fort was used as a trading post and a military fort, 
providing protection as well as leading the economic growth of the 
region.
  Originally settled by four families, Brooksville eventually grew into 
a flourishing commercial and residential community. The Howell family 
settled in the northern part of the city, the Mays family in the 
eastern section, the Hale family in the western section and the Parson 
family in the southern region. These four families helped contribute to 
the growth of the city and of the entire region.
  Today Brooksville houses numerous modern medical facilities, a 
community college, three city parks, an outstanding library, thriving 
shopping centers, and a regional airport.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the city of Brooksville on its 150th 
anniversary. It has taken the combined efforts of generations of proud 
Brooksvillians to grow and strengthen this great city and make it what 
it is today. I wish the city of Brooksville the best of luck with their 
anniversary celebrations and good fortune during their next 150 years.

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