[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4674]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRANSON, MISSOURI

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize world-famous 
Branson, Missouri. This year, Branson celebrates 100 years of heritage, 
harmony, and hospitality. Branson is a community of people, shaped and 
inspired by the lakes and hills that surround her, with a common 
mission, united in perseverance and service to others.
  Over the past 100 years, millions of people from around the world 
have enjoyed and appreciated this special location in Ozark Mountain 
Country. However, it wasn't always this way, as Branson comes from 
humble beginnings.
  In 1882, a community was founded when a young schoolteacher named 
Reuben Branson built a store and opened the first post office in a 
rural area of southwest Missouri. Branson continued to grow, helped by 
steamboats and the White River Railroad arriving in 1906, and Branson 
was officially incorporated on April 1, 1912.
  In 1907, preacher Harold Bell Wright wrote a best-selling book, 
``Shepherd of the Hills,'' which led to an attraction still thriving 
today. Inspired entrepreneurs kept arriving and in 1949, Hugo Herschend 
signed a 99-year lease on a cave and went on to build Silver Dollar 
City. In 1959, Branson's distinction as a music destination began when 
the Mabe brothers opened the first music show. The Presley family 
opened the town's second music show on what eventually became Missouri 
Route 76.
  Today, Branson entertains millions of visitors who embrace the city's 
heritage, harmony and hospitality. I am proud to have the city and the 
community of Branson in my district and I congratulate them on the past 
100 years and I look forward to 100 more.

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