[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SALUTE TO THE TOWN OF SOMERSET, MD

                                 ______


                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the town of 
Somerset, MD, which celebrates its 90th birthday this year.
  Somerset is a very special place. One of the oldest suburbs of 
Washington, DC, Somerset was originally settled in 1890 by five 
Department of Agriculture scientists who paid a total of $19,000 for 
their 50-acre ``suburban colony.'' One of the town's distinguished 
founders, Dr. Harvey Wiley, was the father of the Pure Food and Drug 
Act of 1906.
  By 1905, 35 families called Somerset ``home'' and it was soon 
apparent that if the ``colony'' were to succeed it needed to organize 
to provide for the common good. In 1906 the ``colony'' received a 
charter from the State of Maryland and it became a town. Soon, taxes 
were levied for water, sewers, roads, schools, and the public safety.
  Women played an important role in the development and history of 
Somerset and, indeed, in the civic life of Montgomery County throughout 
this century. In 1902, Somerset women organized themselves into the 
Wednesday Club, where over tea and the week's mending they discussed 
the town's problems and later the larger issues of child labor, their 
right to vote, and the war in Europe in each other's parlors. By 1916, 
the Wednesday Club became the Women's Club of Somerset and eventually 
joined with the Montgomery County Federation of Women's Clubs.
  The town of Somerset has a mayor-council form of government. Current 
officials elected by residents of Somerset are Mayor Walter J. Behr, 
Council members George Snow, Nat Finkelstein, Judy Frankel, Peter 
Gubser, and Richard Kessler.
  As the town celebrates its history this year, there will be a special 
tour highlighting Somerset's private gardens that contribute so much to 
the natural beauty of the area. And in July, the town will come 
together as it has traditionally done over the years for a glorious 
July 4th celebration.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing the town and people of 
Somerset, MD, a most happy 90th birthday.

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