[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1133-E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            UNION CITY, NJ, CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
community, the city of Union City, NJ, and to congratulate the 
residents on the celebration of the city's 70th anniversary. This is a 
special anniversary because this year the city, which I am proud to 
call home, is opening a new addition to its historic city hall.
  Union City was originally comprised of two smaller and separate 
communities, named West Hoboken, incorporated in 1861, and the town of 
Union Hill, incorporated in 1864. In June of 1925, the two towns merged 
to form the dynamic, bustling place we know today as Union City.
  Union City typifies this Nation's proud immigrant heritage. It has 
always been home to immigrants seeking a better way of life. The 
founders of West Hoboken and Union Hill were German and Dutch 
immigrants who moved to the western shore of the Hudson River to escape 
the crowded conditions of Manhattan. In fact, many of the original 
municipal documents were written in German.
  In the 1870's, industry discovered Union City and the population 
began to grow. Woods and fields were transformed into homes and 
businesses. Streets were cut through, and sewer, water, and gas mains 
laid. Breweries, silk, chocolate, cigar, and pencil factories moved to 
the city. It became a hub of the U.S. embroidery industry.
  The immigrant tradition continued throughout the years, drawing Irish 
and Italian immigrants during the first half of the 20th century. 
Cubans fleeing the tyranny of a brutal dictatorship came in growing 
numbers during the early 1960's. They established hundreds of thriving 
businesses along the main commercial strip, known as Bergenline Avenue. 
They were followed by immigrants from throughout Latin America, who 
make up the largest segment of the current population. During a short 
walk on Bergenline one can sample the cuisine of dozens of nations. 
Goods and merchandise from around the world are sold on the bustling 
streets.
  The people of Union City have always been its greatest asset. 
Diversity in our schools and in government is viewed as a strength not 
an impediment. I was proud to serve the residents as their first 
Hispanic mayor from 1986 through 1992. Earlier, I served on the city's 
board of education and later as chief financial officer for the school 
system. Union City is in the forefront of promoting the use of computer 
technology in the classroom. The new city hall [[Page E1134]] addition 
is another example of a city that is not content to rest on past 
accomplishments. Its programs for the elderly and recreation programs 
for its youth are second to none.
  Union City is a city on the move, ready to take on the challenges of 
the 21st century. The residents are proud of where they have been and 
proud of where they are going. I am proud to be a resident of Union 
City. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring Union City, 
a great place to live and raise a family.


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