[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 22 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF MERRIMACK, NH

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Merrimack, NH, on their 250th anniversary. On April 2, the 22,500 
residents of Merrimack will begin a year-long birthday celebration 
encompassing numerous town activities to mark this historic occasion.
  Very few towns in the United States can claim 250 years as part of 
their heritage. In 1746, King George II of England issued the town's 
first charter. During the Revolutionary War, Merrimack residents 
volunteered as some of the original Minute Men. The volunteers fought 
in the Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown, MA. Miraculously, only one 
Merrimack life was lost in this battle. Later, over 40 Merrimack men 
served heroically in the areas of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, West 
Point, Valley Forge, White Plains, and Fort Ticonderoga. The town of 
Merrimack paid their soldiers with Indian corn since money was scarce 
at that time. This is the sort of patriotism and commitment to freedom 
that Merrimack residents still embody today.
  Commercial development in Merrimack began even before King George II 
issued the first charter. In 1656, John Cromwell established the first 
trading post. More settlers began arriving via the Merrimack River, 
from many surrounding areas. Other trading posts were established at 
ferry landings where stores were stocked with beeswax, molasses, flint, 
and powder, along with the best sellers of the day, rum and spirits.
  In the early 1880's, rich deposits of clay were found in Merrimack 
allowing the town to create a thriving brick-making industry. By 1846, 
there were 12 brickyards in town, employing 100 people. Many of the 
local buildings began using brick with granite foundation from nearby 
quarries in their construction. Brickmaking and river boating 
flourished until the railroad arrived in 1852.
  In 1872, a cooperage shop at Reed's Ferry was established where 
English immigrants came to work. In 1897, other immigrants from Greece, 
Poland, and Slavic countries arrived to work in the many mills and 
factories being built.
  Today, Merrimack is one of the thriving industrial towns just north 
of the Massachusetts border, housing many of New Hampshire's most 
prosperous manufacturers.
  Over the years, Merrimack has had a number of famous residents; 
including Dr. Matthew Thornton whose signature appears on the 
Declaration of Independence. Among his numerous distinctions, Doctor 
Thornton was the surgeon of the New Hampshire Troop in 1745, was 
elected to the Continental Congress in December 1776, and served in the 
State senate from 1784 to 1786. In 1789, he purchased a large estate, 
and spent the rest of his 89 years in Merrimack. A monument to honor 
Matthew Thornton is displayed on the corner of route 3 and Greeley 
Street.
  Today, Merrimack's population has grown to include 22,500 residents. 
The town boasts a dynamic business environment with a number of small 
to medium size businesses, many of which are family owned. In addition, 
Fortune 500 companies, particularly technology firms, dot the business 
landscape in Merrimack and are continuing to hire more and more 
residents each year. Merrimack residents are very politically active, 
attending town and school board meetings regularly. The local chamber 
of commerce and Rotary Club are also both very involved in local 
activities.
  I wish the town of Merrimack a very happy 250th birthday. I share the 
pride of all New Hampshire citizens in the accomplishments and rich 
historic background of this wonderful town and its people. 
Congratulations Merrimack.
  (At the request of Mr. Dorgan, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)

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