[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 113 (Thursday, July 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1439-E1440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             SESQUICENTENNIAL OF CHESTER, ORANGE COUNTY, NY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 13, 1995
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to pay 
tribute to the town of Chester in Orange County, NY. Chester celebrated 
its 150th anniversary on March 22, 1995.
  Chester's beginnings can be traced as far back as 1712. The first 
settlers of Chester settled on a spot on the edge of an Indian trail, 
later known as Kings Highway. The first house was built in 1716 by 
Daniel Cromline in Grey County. Chester is named after the birthplace 
of John Yelvertons, the first private property owner in Chester.
  In 1775, several inhabitants of Chester participated in engagements 
against the British during the Revolution. George Washington frequently 
visited Chester on his way from Trenton to his main army on the Hudson.
  Many of Chester's first residents served in the Continental Army in 
the American Revolution. Early settlers of Chester were industrious, 
helping the town to grow quickly into farms and many small businesses. 
One of the most prominent early settlers of Chester was Hector 
DeCreveoeur, author of ``Letters From an American Farmer.'' This novel 
which was written in and about Chester assumed international, literary, 
and political significance.
  On March 22, 1845, after about three quarters of a century as a 
precinct of Goshen, NY, 

[[Page E 1440]]
the town of Chester was founded. Chester was formed from parts of 
Warwick, Goshen, Monroe, and Blooming Grove.
  With its Greycourt meadows known as the Black Dirt Area, Chester 
provided an unparalleled farming area for early settlers. Onions, 
celery, lettuce, and other vegetables provided a market that sustained 
many families whose ancestors still reside in Chester. The uplands of 
Chester provided a dairyman's paradise. The advent of the Erie Railroad 
in 1841 provided these farmers with an outlet to distant markets. 
Moreover, the formation of this railroad provided residents of New York 
City with their first means of fresh milk and vegetables.
  In 1892, the village of Chester, in the northern part of the town, 
was incorporated. About that same time, an ingenious system brought 
water to Chester from Walton Lake. In 1903, the Grange came to Chester 
and was an important influence on the agricultural sciences until the 
1960's.
  Dairy farming continued to grow in Chester until the 1950's when it 
slowly began to decline. The Chester Meadows still produce an abundance 
of vegetables. New businesses, shopping malls, industrial parks are all 
growing and becoming an integral part of the Chester economy. A new 
town hall, and library have both been constructed to meet the ever 
growing needs of this now modern
 town. Sugar Loaf, one of the oldest communities in Orange County, has 
changed from a sleepy country village to one of industry and skilled 
craftsmen. While many of the farmers have disappeared, Chester has now 
become a desirable place to settle and raise a family.

  Beginning on June 2, the town of Chester held a 3-day celebration 
commemorating its sesquicentennial anniversary. The celebration was 
hosted by town supervisor, Stephen Shortess, and town historian, Clark 
Holbert, and included the dedication of a new town flag for Chester, an 
award ceremony from Chester High School, a dinner dance, and many other 
fun-filled events. A dinner dance featuring a live band and a fireworks 
show concluded the opening ceremonies.
  On Saturday, June 3, a celebrity softball game against a team of town 
officials took place. After the game, Vidbel's Olde Circus performed at 
Chester Commons. A barbecue dinner and dance concluded the second day 
of the celebration.
  On Sunday, June 4, a religious service began the day, and was 
followed by an old time community picnic, featuring performances by 
various ethnic groups. Closing ceremonies began at 5 p.m.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join in congratulating 
the town of Chester on this very special occasion.


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