[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            IN COMMEMORATION OF BAYONNE'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a very 
important birthday--the 125th anniversary of the founding of the great 
city of Bayonne.
  For 200 years, the area known today as Bayonne was actually the 
southern part of the township of Bergen. During that time separate and 
distinct villages had sprung up.
  On April 8, 1861, these villages were unified by the New Jersey State 
Legislature. They were given a common name, the ``Township of Bayonne'' 
and residents were finally given the right to govern themselves.
  Within a few short years, however, the population of the township 
increased so rapidly that by 1869 it had nearly tripled. The need for a 
city charter became self-evident.
  On March 10, 1869, the legislature passed a law establishing the city 
of Bayonne. On April 13, 1869, the first city election was held and a 
mayor and common council were chosen.
  During the 12-month period which began this past Tuesday, the 
citizens of this great city will take part in festivities marking this 
important milestone in the history of a vibrant community.
  Bayonne is still fortunate enough to share that sense of community 
which has been lost in so many cities across America. It rests on a 
peninsula at the southern end of Hudson County, which has enabled it to 
remain a quiet and close-knit community. While it enjoys the vibrancy 
and the strong, active commerce of a city, it has resisted the decay 
which afflicts so many others.
  Bayonne is able to celebrate a wondrous diversity, without suffering 
division. It's neighborhoods are able to grow, without growing apart. 
And today, it is able to celebrate a promising future, without 
forgetting its rich past.
  So often, we lament the decline of the American city. And so it is 
with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the 
125th anniversary of the city of Bayonne, NJ, an American city that 
still makes a great hometown.

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