A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the working people of the town of canton on the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the town's labor day observance.
Whereas, the Town of Canton, formerly known as Buford and later Pigeon River, can trace its origins to a post office established in 1837 and a stop on the Western Turnpike during the 1850s; and
Whereas, Canton's growth has been intricately linked with the growth and development of its mill industry over the decades; and
Whereas, by the early 20th century, Canton had staked its claim as a distinctive manufacturing town in rural Western North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Champion Paper Fibre Company mill complex was constructed in 1906 and began production in 1908; and
Whereas, Reuben B. Robertson worked for Champion Paper Fibre Company in many capacities for more than 50 years, serving as the general manager, president, and chair of the board, and as honorary chair for Champion Papers, Inc., from 1961 to his death in 1972; and
Whereas, upon Champion Paper Company's decision to close the plant in 1997, the employees of Champion organized themselves and purchased the plant to form Blue Ridge Paper Company; and
Whereas, in September of 2004, Canton was struck with two massive and destructive flooding events in a short two‑week period, seeing more than $90 million in damages, which has resulted in an intensive rebuilding and redevelopment phase for the past two years; and
Whereas, Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers and constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well‑being of our country; and
Whereas, Canton is widely known for its Labor Day celebrations and festivities, which began 100 years ago as a way to promote community spirit between the mill and residents of the town; and
Whereas, Canton's 2006 Labor Day celebration will dually serve as an important anniversary in commemoration of the Town's working people as well as a presentation of the newly renovated and restored Town facilities; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives expresses high esteem, regard, and deep appreciation for the accomplishments and dedication of the working people in Canton, North Carolina, and acknowledges the importance of this dedication as an important indicator of the Town's vitality and community spirit.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives congratulates the Town of Canton on its 100th Labor Day commemoration and honors the memory of the Town's citizens who originated the celebration 100 years ago.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Town of Canton.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.