[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2290-E2291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE BEST SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA

                                 ______


                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 1995

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Essex, CT, on 
being named the Best Small Town in America by author Norman Crampton. 
Mr. Crampton's book, ``The 100 Best Small Towns in America,'' 
recognizes Essex for qualities its residents, and people across 
Connecticut, have appreciated for many years. The residents, officials, 
and business people of the community should be very proud of this 
honor, which acknowledges their commitment to their community.
  Mr. Crampton ranked towns across the Nation using several criteria, 
including per capita income, crime rate, public school expenditure per 
pupil, and percentage of population with a bachelor's degree. While 
every survey seeking to rate communities relies on similar factors, the 
author also considered community efforts to provide housing to all 
income groups and to encourage residents to play an active role in town 
affairs.
  In the final analysis, Essex rose above every other small town in 
America to be named No. 1. Since settlers first came to the area in the 
mid-1600's, Essex, which encompasses the villages of Centerbrook, 
Ivoryton, and Essex, has distinguished itself. For much of the 18th and 
early-19th centuries, Essex was known as a world-class shipbuilding 
center. In fact, the first ship commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1775, 
the Oliver Cromwell, was built in Essex and provided to our fledgling 
Government by the State of Connecticut. In addition to building the 
ships which were the lifeline of commerce in the 1700's and 1800's, 
Essex was an important commercial port for trade throughout the world, 
especially between the eastern United States and the islands of the 
Caribbean. The village of Ivoryton was so names because Essex was home 
to one of the leading manufacturers of piano keys. Manufacturers in 
Essex also helped to pioneer commercial production of which hazel and 
the community remains home to one of the world's largest distillers of 
this product.
  Mr. Speaker, it is obvious to this Member why Essex has been ranked 
No. 1. The community has something to offer to everyone. Families can 
take advantage of first-rate public schools, affordable housing, and 
local employment opportunities. Lying on the banks of the lower 
Connecticut River, Essex boasts tidal flats and marshes, coves and 
inlets which provide valuable habitat for many species of fish, 
wildlife and birds. Visitors can enjoy leisurely rides on the 
Connecticut Valley Railroad, affectionately known by locals as the 
Essex Steamtrain, and conclude their day with a great meal at the 
historic Griswold Inn, which has been serving visitors for more than 
200 years.
  During the course of writing his book, Mr. Crampton interviewed 
citizens in communities around the Nation. His conversations with 

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those in Essex highlighted another characteristic which makes this 
community special--the volunteer spirit of its residents. Until 
recently, virtually every local official served without pay and many 
continue to do so today. Fires are fought by volunteers, school 
playgrounds are built by parents, and elections are monitored by civic-
minded citizens who never receive a penny for their dedication to their 
community. Mr. Richard Gamble summed up the contribution of Essex's 
residents by saying ``we're unusually blessed by people who are not 
only capable, but willing to spend the time.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to joint residents from Essex in celebrating 
this much deserved honor. Parochially, I believe every small town 
across the Second Congressional District could qualify for the No. 1 
spot. However, today we celebrate the achievements of this community 
and welcome people from across the country to come join us in America's 
No. 1 Small Town--Essex.

                          ____________________