SPEECH OF HON.
JO BONNER OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 16, 2004
Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the community
of Elberta, Alabama, on the occasion of the 100th
anniversary of its founding.
The site for Elberta was initially chosen by three German
businessmen--Alexander Klappenback, F.W. Herdrick, and Henry
Bartling--who had journeyed to Baldwin County from Chicago,
Illinois, for the purpose of creating a German settlement.
The Baldwin County Colonization Company was created in
November, 1903, to develop this settlement in an area along
Perdido Bay known as the "Elberta District.'' The town
originally consisted of ten miles of roads and land that was
divided into plots of 20- and 40 acres and sold to families
moving into that area.
The first families arrived in the new settlement of Elberta
in January 1904, and the area began to grow and prosper.
Nearly five decades later, the Elberta Lions Club started a
movement within the community to push for the incorporation
of the area. The incorporation effort was successful, and
one year later the first mayor and city council were elected
for the newly created town of Elberta.
During its 100 years in existence, the members of this
community have created a very rich and diverse history, and
have worked tirelessly to provide the best benefits possible
for themselves and their county. In the five decades that
have passed since the incorporation of the town, the
citizens and leaders of Elberta have done extensive work to
put into place the resources that could be used to attract
outside industry and lead to an increase in the population
base.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Elberta, Alabama, are firmly
rooted in their proud past, and at the same time are keeping
a careful and optimistic eye on the road ahead. The vision
displayed by their community leaders during the past 100
years has led to the creation of a stable community and an
anchor for all of Baldwin County, and I have no doubt that
the continued inspired leadership and vision of today's
residents and leaders will lead to even greater successes in
the years ahead. It is my hope the Town of Elberta continues
its story of success for another 100 years.
(Extensions of
Remarks - November 16, 2004) [Page: E1994]
GPO's PDF
Library of Congress
NOTE: We're looking for information
on the Baldwin County
Colonization Company 1905.
If you
have information to share, please contact the DVHH Elberta Archivist.
[Published at DVHH.org 2006]
