[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2297-E2298]
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 

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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 named because Essex 
was home to one of the leading manufacturers of piano keys. 
Manufacturers in Essex also helped to pioneer commercial production of 
witch 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 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 join 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.

                          ____________________