[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      SILVER JUBILEE OF PORICY PARK

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, April 7, 1995
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 22, Poricy Park in 
Middletown, NJ, will celebrate its Silver Jubilee. It is a great honor 
for me to pay tribute to this wonderful resource for the people of 
Middletown and the surrounding communities of Monmouth County. Owned by 
Middletown Township, Poricy 
[[Page E860]] Park is a 250-acre facility operated by the Poricy Park 
Citizens Committee, a private, non-profit group. The park includes a 
Nature Center, opened in 1978, and restored historic buildings.
  Mr. Speaker, Poricy Park has a long and illustrious history. In 1667, 
John Throckmorton received a grant of lands that included the area 
where the park is now located. Part of the land was purchased in 1767 
by Joseph Murray, a Scots-Irish immigrant from Londonderry, who joined 
the Monmouth Militia during the Revolutionary War and was murdered on 
his farm on June 8, 1780. The farmhouse and barn are still standing at 
the site. Owned by the Murray family until 1861, and a series of other 
owners thereafter, the land functioned as a farm until 1972.
  The creation of the farm was born of the efforts of the Poricy Park 
Citizens Committee who, in 1969, worked to save this area from 
development. The Committee raised more than $7,000 to secure 
properties, which were turned over to the Township. This donation began 
a process of acquiring lands that ultimately led to the acquisition of 
the current 250 acres. Almost three-quarters of the land is left 
undisturbed, for nature to manage. There is a hardwood forest, a pond, 
wet meadows and a freshwater marsh. There is a 60-acre area of open 
fields, the ecology of which supports hawks, mice, foxes, woodchucks 
and dozens of varieties of field wildflowers. Interest in historical 
restoration efforts began in the late 1960's, with work beginning in 
earnest in the late 1970's, leading to the Murray farm buildings being 
registered as a New Jersey historic site. Some 600 programs are 
presented every year for schools, community groups and the general 
public, attracting some 13,000 visitors per year. There are programs 
for arts and crafts, a store and an artisan market. None of the great 
work at the park would be possible without the hard work of volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, Poricy Park represents one of the best examples I know 
of dedicated community activists and local governments working 
together, pooling their resources and creating something special to 
benefit of all the community. Poricy Park is an excellent resource that 
preserves the special history and natural beauty of Central New Jersey. 
I am honored to pay tribute to this great facility and all the fine 
people whose hard work and dedication has made it all possible.


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