[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31836]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOMBALL, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of 
the most extraordinary towns in our country, Tomball, TX, and join them 
in celebrating their 100-year anniversary. This community began in the 
early 1800s as a farming community and has grown to be a town 
encompassing economic growth and core American values which makes our 
Nation a great place to live.
  Tomball was first known as Peck but at the turn of the century, in 
1907, the town was officially named Tomball in honor of Mr. Thomas 
Henry Ball; a Congressman, a lawyer, a proud father, and an honorable 
man.
  Tomball saw their first boom in 1906 when the railroad came to town. 
The first freight train and the first passenger rail rolled through 
town in 1907. Today visitors can step back in time and enjoy the newly 
refurbished train depot, in the heart of downtown Tomball, as trains 
move through town as they did a century ago.
  Tomball was also known as ``Oil Town U.S.A.'' in the early 1930's 
when oil was discovered in a big Texas way with a ``gusher.'' The city 
was quick to realize the extraordinary asset before them and negotiated 
a deal with Humble Oil and Gas allowing the company drilling rights 
within the city in exchange for free oil and gas to Tomball residents 
for the next 50 years.
  Tomball has seen growth in all aspects of the community. Since the 
turn of the century, there has been the boom of the railroad, the great 
success of oil and gas, real estate growth, and road improvements all 
contributing to the strong economic base for this town. Tomball has 
always been a place with extraordinary schools, both public and 
private. The city possesses citizens with an eagerness to learn 
extending to higher education within the college system. Faith is 
important to this community and is the foundation that enables numerous 
churches to congregate within the area.
  Tomball is an amazing town within Harris County, TX. It is the 
continued dedication to this town by its residents which makes it one 
of the friendliest places to live, not only in Texas but in the United 
States. Although Tomball has endured many changes over the last century 
one thing remains the same, the people. As we celebrate the first 100 
years of Tomball it is with great joy I say thank you for being a 
wonderful and compassionate community. The devotion for this community 
is contagious and I am honored to be your representative, in fact I 
proudly display a sign in my office that says, ``I Love Tomball.'' I 
wish this city all the best in the next 100 years. Happy Birthday, 
Tomball and congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone.

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