[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16114]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF FOWLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of 
Fowler, California on the celebration of their 100th anniversary this 
past June 15, 2008.
  The City of Fowler owes its name to Thomas Fowler, the first 
businessman to ship cattle from the Central Pacific Railroad line ten 
miles south of the city of Fresno, California in 1872 where Fowler now 
exists. The city was officially incorporated on June 15, 1908.
  Among the many historic highlights for this thriving community 
include establishing a large irrigation canal from the Kings River and 
incorporating it as the Fowler Switch Canal in 1881; having the sole 
store owner in town, Mr. John Gentry assume the role of Postmaster in 
1882 instituting the first rural delivery in the entire area, and being 
home to the oldest house of worship of the Armenian Apostolic Faith 
anywhere in the United States through St. Gregory's Armenian Apostolic 
Church established in Fowler in 1908.
  Relying mainly on agriculture as a significant economic base, this 
small town in the San Joaquin Valley is known for harvesting citrus 
fruits, grapes, and fresh market fruits among other crops. Fowler is 
also the home of processing fruit plants which are part of their 
thriving industrial business corridor that continues to expand.
  Commonly referred to as ``one of Fresno County's best kept secrets'' 
the residents of Fowler are proud of the small-town feel to their 
community and the family-centered lifestyle. Fowler's local leaders 
praise their `well-kept neighborhoods, attractive downtown, highly 
acclaimed school district and quality affordable housing' as gemstones 
of their community.
  It is indeed a pleasure for me to congratulate the City of Fowler on 
their centennial celebration as I am truly honored to represent this 
little city in the House of Representatives. I wish the community 
continued success and many more years of tradition for all who already 
live here and those who choose to make Fowler their home in the future.

                          ____________________