[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          HONORING THE TOWN OF OVID, NY, CELEBRATING 200 YEARS

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise today to speak in 
celebration of the town of Ovid's 200-year anniversary and Ovid Fire 
Department's 150-year anniversary. On March 5, 1794, the town of Ovid 
was founded and the first town meeting was held on April 1, 1794, at 
the house of Abraham Covert. For many years the meetings were carried 
on in various area homes until the original wooden frame courthouse was 
used in 1833.
  A town with a lively and interesting history, as well as good, hard 
working, and friendly people, Ovid has managed to thrive over the past 
200 years. I take pride in raising my voice in celebration of the 
anniversary of this great town.
  Fifteen years prior to its founding General Sullivan's army marched 
northward in this area between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes; 10 years later, 
Andrew Dunlap became the first permanent settler of the town of Ovid. 
The next 5 years brought families by the name of Wilson, Smith, Covert, 
Seeley, Cole, Chapman, Kinne, Huff, Hughes, DeMott, Harris, LeConte, 
Swarthout, and Baldwin. Later came more settlers with names which are 
also recognized by the residents of today: Bloomer, Weed, Thompson, 
Starrett, Wyckoff, Bodine, Auten, Van Dorn, Wheeler, Brooks, Townsend, 
Leonard, Van Horn, and Combs.
  Primarily a residential area, Ovid is sought out to provide good 
housing at reasonable prices in a pleasant setting. Today, travelers 
come to the area to visit the lush vineyards and partake of the world-
class wines.
  The Ovid Fire Department is celebrating their 150-year anniversary 
and will be honored at the same time. The brick buildings, known as 
Papa Bear and Baby Bear were constructed in 1845. Mama Bear was added 
in the middle 15 years later, and many of the trees seen in the present 
village park date back to the same time.
  I am proud to represent Ovid and towns like it. It is people like the 
good people of Ovid who make up the very fabric of American life and 
culture. I ask my colleagues, indeed all Americans, to recognize the 
proud history of Ovid and its longstanding fire department and 
celebrate the ability of this town to bloom and prosper over two 
centuries of change. I salute Ovid's residents, and congratulate the 
town on its 200th anniversary.

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