[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 43 (Tuesday, April 19, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     THE BICENTENNIAL OF VIENNA, WV

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 
200th birthday of the city of Vienna. Vienna, located on the western 
side of West Virginia and in the heart of the Mid-Ohio Valley, is 
celebrating the historic occasion of its bicentennial this year.
  Vienna was founded in 1794 when Dr. Joseph Spencer received a grant 
of land on the banks of the Ohio River after faithfully serving his 
country in the Revolutionary War. He decided to sell 100 acres of this 
breathtaking land for others to settle, thus the creation of the city 
of Vienna.
  Dr. Spender would no longer recognize his original land today. Vienna 
has expanded from its original 100 acres to over 2,300 acres and is 
home to over 10,000 residents. Vienna has become one of the major 
economic and retail centers of the Mid-Ohio Valley. In the last 10 
years alone, the budget of Vienna has almost tripled because of the 
tremendous growth of businesses in the area.
  In a time when crime is dramatically increasing throughout the United 
States, Vienna remains one of the safest areas in the country. As part 
of West Virginia, Vienna contributes to one of the lowest crime rates 
in the Nation and achieves this impressive crime level with only 13 
police officers.
  Also contributing to this outstanding level of safety is Vienna's 
fire department. In 1938, the entire community joined together to 
recruit volunteer firemen and purchase the first fire engine through 
fundraisers and donations. A year later, the city approved money to 
build the first fire station. Vienna is now one of the few cities which 
still has a volunteer fire department. The fire department remains one 
of the greatest prides of the city and is supported by an annual 
festivity which continues to unite the entire community.
  Throughout the years, Vienna has prospered and grown; however, it has 
never strayed far from its roots of family and home. Its bicentennial 
represents not only a landmark in the history of West Virginia but also 
in the history of the United States.
  Happy 200th birthday to the city of Vienna and to the people whose 
homes still grace this glorious land.

                          ____________________