Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-16

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE

ImmigrationAgriculture

Context

On 2026-01-16, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered agriculture.

Full Text

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E48] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE _____ HON. ERIC SWALWELL of california in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pete's Ace Hardware on the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service to the community of Castro Valley, California. Founded in 1926 by Peter Selmeczki, Pete's Ace Hardware proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest business in Castro Valley. Peter and his wife, Mary, were hardworking Hungarian immigrants who built their livelihood through determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to their community. Together, they opened their store on historic Castro Valley Boulevard, where it remains a local landmark to this day. In its early years, the business ambitiously offered both hardware supplies and automobile spray-painting services. While balancing these two ventures proved challenging, the Selmeczki family ultimately focused their full energy on the hardware business, laying the foundation for long-term success. Initially serving local ranchers and farmers, the store evolved in tandem with the growing community. As Castro Valley expanded, so too did the business, adapting its inventory to meet the needs of contractors and homeowners. Throughout its growth, Pete's Ace Hardware remained deeply rooted in the community it served, thriving thanks to the loyalty of its customers and the support of trusted suppliers. Pete and Mary's dedication to their business extended well beyond their lifetimes. Following their retirement and passing, their sons, Frank and Ernie, assumed leadership and guided the store through a period of growth and modernization. Today, Pete's Ace Hardware is now a fourth-generation family-owned business led by Ernie's daughter Linda, her husband Jeff, and their son Jason. As Pete's Ace Hardware celebrates this extraordinary milestone, I commend the Selmeczki family for their enduring commitment and entrepreneurial spirit. I extend my warmest congratulations to Linda, Jeff, and Jason as they continue to serve the Castro Valley community for generations to come. ____________________

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E48] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PETE'S ACE HARDWARE _____ HON. ERIC SWALWELL of california in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pete's Ace Hardware on the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service to the community of Castro Valley, California. Founded in 1926 by Peter Selmeczki, Pete's Ace Hardware proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest business in Castro Valley. Peter and his wife, Mary, were hardworking Hungarian immigrants who built their livelihood through determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to their community. Together, they opened their store on historic Castro Valley Boulevard, where it remains a local landmark to this day. In its early years, the business ambitiously offered both hardware supplies and automobile spray-painting services. While balancing these two ventures proved challenging, the Selmeczki family ultimately focused their full energy on the hardware business, laying the foundation for long-term success. Initially serving local ranchers and farmers, the store evolved in tandem with the growing community. As Castro Valley expanded, so too did the business, adapting its inventory to meet the needs of contractors and homeowners. Throughout its growth, Pete's Ace Hardware remained deeply rooted in the community it served, thriving thanks to the loyalty of its customers and the support of trusted suppliers. Pete and Mary's dedication to their business extended well beyond their lifetimes. Following their retirement and passing, their sons, Frank and Ernie, assumed leadership and guided the store through a period of growth and modernization. Today, Pete's Ace Hardware is now a fourth-generation family-owned business led by Ernie's daughter Linda, her husband Jeff, and their son Jason. As Pete's Ace Hardware celebrates this extraordinary milestone, I commend the Selmeczki family for their enduring commitment and entrepreneurial spirit. I extend my warmest congratulations to Linda, Jeff, and Jason as they continue to serve the Castro Valley community for generations to come. ____________________