[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANSDOWNE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the Lansdowne 
Improvement Association on its 100th anniversary. Since April 1908, the 
association has served the Lansdowne community, a neighborhood that has 
a rich and interesting history.
  In the 1800s, the Whitaker Iron Company began mining ore in the area 
and farms soon followed. Once the mining pits were abandoned, 
underground springs filled the pits creating small ponds and lakes. The 
area continued to grow and develop, particularly with the influence of 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The B&O Railroad opened the Coursey 
Station in what is now Lansdowne. The Coursey Station Senior Housing 
Center, a thriving mainstay of the community, is named for this 
station.
  Throughout the 20th century, the community continued its growth 
around Coursey Station. Lansdowne quickly became known as a B&O town 
because many of its residents worked for the railroad. Many of its 
workers commuted to Baltimore City by train. This connection lasted 
until the 1960s when the B&O railroad closed the station. To this day, 
Lansdowne remains a very close-knit community.
  The Lansdowne Improvement Association is an active and visible part 
of the community. It hosts monthly meetings that are well attended by 
the community. Working together to benefit the neighborhood, the 
Association sponsors the Citizens on Patrol program and a canned food 
drive, and it keeps residents informed about activities and concerns in 
the community. The Lansdowne Police and Fire Departments have developed 
a strong relationship with the association to ensure that residents are 
kept informed about crime and other safety issues.
  This year, as part of the 100th anniversary celebration, the 
Lansdowne Improvement Association is bringing back the once-traditional 
Lansdowne Parade, featuring music and entertainment.
  I wish to express my congratulations to the Lansdowne Improvement 
Association, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
important milestone for the Lansdowne community.

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