[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E201]]


                SALUTE TO THE COMMUNITY OF LINCOLN PARK

                                 ______


                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 20, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the community of 
Lincoln Park, which celebrates its105th anniversary this year.
  Located in the city of Rockville, MD, Lincoln Park has managed to 
keep the history and traditions of a self-contained community. Lincoln 
Park is a predominantly African-American community, unique not only for 
the respect with which it treats its heritage, but also for the manner 
in which its residents have chosen to connect with one another. They 
have continued their dedication to working as a community, in the same 
manner that their ancestors did long ago.
  The Lincoln Park community was started in February 1891 when Mr. 
William Welsh purchased several tracts of land in a place known as 
Valentine Garden Enlarged. On June 30, 1891, Ms. Ella Martin became the 
first black landowner at Lincoln Park, purchasing her land for $80. 
Deaconess Helda Martin became Lincoln Park's second black landowner 
that same day, also for the sum of $80. Descendants of these original 
landowners still live in Lincoln Park, a sign of the great respect that 
this community reserves for its history.
  With the month of February designated Black History Month, it is only 
to be expected that a community so rich in African-American history 
would seek to share and explore its roots. The Lincoln Park Historical 
Society will be having their 19th Annual Black History Program at 
Richard Montgomery High School on February 24. As befits a group of 
citizens who truly believe in the concept of a community, this program 
will focus on the young people of our society whose hopes and dreams 
will be the future of Lincoln Park and of America.
  The willingness to work for a true sense of community gives Lincoln 
Park a mission which is all too unique in today's society. The effort 
to retain and continue the traditions of their history give the 
community respect for their ancestors and vision for their descendants. 
For 105 years the people of Lincoln Park have dedicated themselves to 
this ethos, and for 105 years neighbors have greeted each other by name 
and taken pride in what they, as a unit, have built.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a proud moment for me to pay tribute to Anita Neal 
Powell, founding president of the Lincoln Park Historical Society 
[LPHS], Deacon Leroy Neal, vice-president of the LPHS, and William 
Gordon, who will be the historical conductor for the anniversary 
program, for their hard work and their dedication in preserving and 
promoting the rich history of this important community. I hope that 
everyone will join me in wishing the whole Lincoln Park community a 
most happy and successful 105th anniversary.

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