[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26848]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY OF STRATFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Community 
of Stratford on the celebration of their 100th anniversary.
  In the late 1800's, the community of Stratford began taking the role 
of a trading post as an integral part of the booming mining industry 
that transformed communities across the country. Rich in vast fertile 
farmland, the production of cotton, hay, and grains soon became 
bountiful thus overtaking trade as the predominant industry in the 
region. A few years later, Stratford became home to a large dairy 
concentration as well as a diverse group of citizens. The ethnic groups 
of Stratford included Portuguese, English, Italian, and others from all 
over the world that settled in this charming community.
  A glorious day occurred on October 7th, 1907, when Stratford was 
founded by the Empire Land Company as a development property. The 
history of this place further demonstrates that it is only by embracing 
the importance of cooperation and vision that thriving communities are 
born. I am honored to stand and shine a spotlight on the community of 
Stratford as they celebrate a century of pride and progress.

                          ____________________