[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor 
Maplewood, Minnesota's 50th anniversary.
  While the city was incorporated 50 years ago, the more complete 
history of Maplewood began more than 150 years ago. According to the 
Maplewood Area Historical Society, Maplewood's original residents were 
members of a Dakota tribe who were drawn to the lush land, lakes and 
wetlands.
  In 1850, a group of families including the Bells, Caseys, Conlins, 
and the Vincents moved from Saint Paul to settle along an old Indian 
trail which is now Hazelwood Street in Maplewood. In 1858, this area 
became part of New Canada Township.
  Nearly 30 years later, a town site was planned at the junction of the 
Wisconsin Central Railroad line and the Saint Paul and Duluth Railroad 
that was to ``rival Saint Paul.'' In 1886, Mr. William Dawson and his 
wife, Mary, platted out this village that they called Gladstone in 
honor of Mr. William Gladstone, a popular British statesman. For a 
time, the little village thrived and employed 1,000 workers. However, 
this area suffered from a series, of setbacks such as a fire which 
destroyed a major business, and which ultimately led to less activity 
in the area.
  One business which was very successful, was a stagecoach line that 
ran along what is now Edgerton Street. The line began in 1856 and cost 
$10 for a trip from Saint Paul to Duluth. The line remained in service 
until the first railroad was built to Duluth in 1870.
  After World War II, the housing boom began as veterans took advantage 
of the GI Bill's home loan guaranty. Developments sprung up around 
Wakefield Lake people continued to be attracted to the area. Residents 
soon came together to seek improved services including sewer, water and 
better roads.
  On February 26, 1957, in a vote of 5 to 1 New Canada Township 
officially incorporated into the Village of Maplewood. Upon hearing the 
new name Mr. Warren Berger went out to his backyard and traced a maple 
leaf that became the village logo. By the 1970s, the Village of 
Maplewood became the City of Maplewood and adopted the Council-Manager 
form of government which it continues today.
  Today, Maplewood is home to many major businesses and hospitals as 
well as the widely known 3M Corporation headquarters. The people of 
Maplewood are proud of their parks and open spaces. Maplewood has 
become a leader in land conservation by protecting open spaces and 
planting rainwater gardens to help improve water quality.
  Madam Speaker, in honor of the rich history of Maplewood, Minnesota 
and the events celebrating it, I am pleased to submit this statement 
for the Congressional Record recognizing Maplewood's 50th anniversary.

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