[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12148]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             CITY OF BRONSON'S SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2016

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City of 
Bronson's Sesquicentennial celebration.
  The city of Bronson--located in the heart of Branch County--was first 
incorporated as a village in 1866 under the name Bronson's Prairie. 
Named for Jabez B. Bronson, who was the first settler to the area and 
later the first village postmaster, Bronson was officially chartered as 
a city in 1934.
  Known as the ``Gladiolus Capital of the United States,'' Bronson 
grows the finest gladiola flowers along with other diverse agricultural 
commodities on over 300 local farms. The city is also home to a strong 
industrial base, with a mixture of precision metal machining, tool and 
die, and automotive assembly, among numerous other manufacturing shops.
  With its many lakes and trails, farmer's markets, and concerts in the 
park, Bronson is busy with countless activities for all. Its yearly 
Polish Festival attracts visitors from throughout the region, featuring 
Polish food, vendors, crafters, and a parade.
  A gem of the community--the Bronson Public Library--remains as one of 
the few remaining Carnegie Libraries still in its original unaltered 
configuration.
  It is truly an honor to commemorate this exciting celebration for the 
people of Bronson--where family, friends, and neighbors proudly come 
together to make the community a special place to call home. 
Congratulations to the citizens of Bronson as they celebrate 150 years.

                          ____________________