[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            SCHODACK, NY CELEBRATES BICENTENNIAL ON MARCH 18

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 1995
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, our smaller municipalities exhibit the 
small-town virtues that make this country the greatest nation on Earth. 
I'd like to say a few words today about one of them.
  The town of Schodack is celebrating its bicentennial this year. It 
occupies 63 square miles in a picturesque spot along the east bank of 
the Hudson River in the southwest corner of Rensselaer County. Indian 
tribes warred over the region until Dutch settlers arrived in 1630. The 
town of Schodack was formed on March 17, 1795. Farming spread from the 
river banks to the interior, and Schodack became important as a trading 
and shipping port. The abundant waterpower opened the door for paper 
factories and other industries. One of the paper mills, the Fort Orange 
Paper Co., is still operating today. Such industries as ice harvesting 
during the winter linked the town to larger metropolitan areas such as 
New York.
  Schodack was a frequent crossroads for colonial armies, including the 
caravan taking captured cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston. In 1777, 
thousands of British prisoners captured in Saratoga were marched 
through Schodack to prisons in New England.
  Many of the houses still standing in the town were built in the 18th 
century. One structure, the Staats house, has been occupied by the same 
family for 12 consecutive generations, and is on the National Register 
of Historic Places.
  Today, despite the accelerating changes of 20th century life, 
Schodack has preserved its smalltown charm, making it a great place to 
live and raise families.
  On March 18, town officials and residents are celebrating with a 
grand gala-dinner dance.
  With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join me in 
wishing the town of Schodack all the best on this proud occasion of its 
bicentennial, and all the best as it enters its third century.




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