[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          100 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 1995
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pause to recognize and commend 
the Rochester law firm of Harter, Secrest, and Emery on the occasion of 
completing its' first 100 years of service to its business and personal 
clients across the Nation.
  Harter, Secrest, and Emery has a long history of community service 
and is one of the leading law practices in the Northeast. It was 
founded by James Havens and Nathaniel Foote in 1893. Foote was one of 
the original founders and first president of the Rochester Bar 
Association, which eventually evolved into the Monroe County Bar 
Association, and he was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court 
by Governor Higgins. He later was elevated to the Appellate Division.
  Partner James Breck Perkins joined the firm in 1898 and began a long 
history of civic involvement. Perkins was an author, musician, and 
historian, and served five terms in the U.S. Congress, first elected in 
1900.
  Founding partner, James Havens was a noted libel defense lawyer and 
active in the Democratic Party. He served out the final congressional 
term of his partner, James Perkins, who died while in office. Havens 
then declined an opportunity to run for Governor of New York State; 
instead he took the post of general counsel and vice president for 
Eastman Kodak Co.
  William Strang, like his partner, James Havens, was a community 
activist. He joined the firm in 1907 and methodically built his 
practice. He was elected president of the Bar in 1928, president of the 
Chamber of Commerce in 1945, and Grand Master of the New York State 
Masons.
  Partner C. Vincent Wiser served as one of the area's premier real 
estate attorneys. With retail magnate, J.C. McCurdy, he crafted and 
developed Midtown Plaza, in Rochester, NY. This was the first urban 
mall in the country. He also served as a city planning commissioner 
from 1949-1964.
  Hyman Freeman perpetuated the firm's history of community 
selflessness. He distinguished himself in politics as well. Freeman 
served on city council from 1955-1967, and was elected vice-mayor in 
1966. Freeman also served as president of the Monroe County Bar 
Association and was a prominent leader of the Jewish Welfare Fund.
  Partner Richard Secrest excelled in business law, building the firm's 
corporate department. He set precedent with his aggressive and 
innovative representation of corporations. Secrest received the Navy 
and Marine Corps Medal and the Purple Heart for outstanding service 
during World War II.
  Donald Harter joined the firm in 1940 and immediately established 
himself as a leader in local, State, and national bar associations. His 
community legacy includes laying the foundation for Strong Museum, 
presently located in Rochester, NY.
  R. Clinton Emery further expanded the firm's corporate involvement. 
He spread the company's corporate representative influence throughout 
upstate New York and set in place many internal business practices that 
are still being used today.
  The centennial of the law firm of Harter, Secrest and Emery is an 
appropriate time to reflect upon the prominent role that the firm has 
played in the history of Rochester. With its' rich tradition of 
innovation and civic involvement this firm will be an integral part of 
the Greater Rochester area in the years to come. Therefore, I rise 
today to congratulate Harter, Secrest, and Emery and wish them well as 
they embark on the next century.


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