[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF WILLARDS

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I would like to call to the 
attention of my colleagues celebrations that are underway to 
commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the 
Town of Willards, Maryland.
  Willards, a town with a total population of 900 persons, was founded 
on the basis of a quarrel. Ebenezer G. Davis was the first inhabitant 
and store proprietor of what is known today as Willards after moving to 
the area after a dispute with his brother. Mr. Davis made a vow to 
Willard Thompson, a railroad General Manager, that he would name the 
town after him if Mr. Thompson would build a railroad depot in the 
town. That first railroad depot is now the local Post Office for the 
Town of Willards.
  Officially named in October of 1895, The Town of Willards' boundary 
was comprised of a half-mile radius circle, encompassing at the center 
the popular corner of Hearn and Canal Streets.
  While Willards was first incorporated in 1906, and again in 1927, the 
first elected government would not be legislated until 1971. By the 
1970's many businesses had been located in the town including the Shirt 
Factory, erected in 1905, and the Farmers Bank that would follow in 
1945. Civic organizations such as the Volunteer Fire Department, 
established in 1927, and the 1948 creation of the local Lions Club, 
would all lend their support to community development.
  Willards is a model of community spirit and cooperation. The 
activities being sponsored to commemorate this auspicious occasion 
exemplify the deep devotion of Willards residents to their community. 
The spirit and enthusiasm of Willards citizens have proven to be the 
foundation of its success. These anniversary celebrations provide the 
opportunity to review the dedication that has supported Willards 
throughout its history and helped it to develop into one of Wicomico 
County's most treasured communities.
  We in Maryland are fortunate to have an area as community-oriented as 
Willards. I join the citizens of Wicomico County in sharing their pride 
in Willards' past and optimism for continued success in the years to 
come.


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