[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACKSTONE, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______


                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 1995

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to offer 
my congratulations to the citizens of Blackstone, MA, on their town's 
150th anniversary. Blackstone is named after the Blackstone River which 
flows through the town and is one of the most significant waterways in 
American history. It was on the banks of this river over 200 years ago 
that Samuel Slater built the first American factory thus launching the 
American Industrial Revolution. Blackstone is also located in the 
center of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Area. 
This is a town rich in history and tradition and is the embodiment of 
the New England spirit.
  To honor this important milestone, a series of events was held in 
Blackstone as part of a year-long celebration. Among the events 
celebrated were a village fair and parade in May, numerous Fourth of 
July festivities, and most recently on September 24, a parade 
celebrating the Blackstone Valley heritage homecoming. The parade was a 
grand affair with 11 neighboring towns participating, featuring Richard 
T. Moore, Associate Director for Mitigation of F.E.M.A., as the 
parade's grand marshal. Following the parade a band competition was 
held at the Blackstone/Millville Regional Junior/Senior High School in 
Blackstone. The events received rave reviews from the many who 
attended.
  Congratulations to the hardworking members of the Blackstone 150th 
Anniversary Celebration Committee. The tireless efforts of these 
citizens over the past year produced several outstanding anniversary 
events. Their dedication to their town truly epitomizes the kind of 
citizenry that has made Blackstone an exceptional American town. I am 
honored to represent such a wonderful community and I join with the 
citizens of Blackstone in looking ahead, with tremendous optimism, to 
the next 150 years.

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