[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17598]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RITZVILLE'S NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD DEPOT CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and 
honor Philip Ritz--founder of Ritzville, Washington--and to 
congratulate Ritzville's Northern Pacific Railroad Depot on its 
centennial anniversary.
  More than 100 years ago, Philip Ritz proposed establishing a great 
national highway between Lake Superior and the Puget Sound. Philip 
testified before Congress that the route would be beneficial for 
transportation of troops, munitions of war, mail and freight. As a 
result, the Northern Pacific Railroad and Ritzville's Northern Pacific 
Depot became instrumental in transporting crops, promoting settlers, 
and creating a community in Ritzville.
  Even before the construction of the railroad, in the late 18th 
century, the Walla Walla valley was known for harvesting over one 
million bushels of grain, and some of the finest quality peaches, 
apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes, and sweet potatoes. These 
crops, after the railroad was completed, were then transported into 
national and international markets. With these new markets, Ritzville 
rapidly became the largest and heaviest grain shipping railroad station 
in the world.
  During this industrial and agricultural revolution, many families 
took advantage of the thousands of acres lying unclaimed. Densely 
populated cities dissipated as families moved towards the great 
Northern Pacific expanse. Combined with timber and lumber now being 
more accessible by railroad, these settlers were able to build new 
homes at inexpensive prices.
  With the settlers came more vibrant communities. Within the Ritzville 
community, Ritzville's Northern Pacific Railroad Depot served as the 
town center. The depot agent was in charge of issuing marriage licenses 
and serving as the notary. Often times, important events were held in 
the waiting room such as polling during elections, social activities, 
and church services. The Depot quickly became the most important 
building in the town.
  Today, Ritzville's Northern Pacific Railroad Depot serves as an 
important reminder of the role the railroad once played in farming, 
school, business, and town development in Ritzville, WA. Thanks to 
Philip Ritz, the depot was the focal point for all rail-related trade 
for more than 60 years. My fellow colleagues, please join me honoring 
Philip Ritz and congratulating Ritzville's Northern Pacific Railroad 
Depot on 100 years of excellent service.

                          ____________________