[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5452-S5453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF MANCHESTER ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Manchester, 
NH, on its 150th anniversary. On June 8, the 100,000 residents of 
Manchester will hold a community wide picnic to celebrate this 
significant milestone.
  Manchester's 150 year heritage encompasses periods of growth and 
change including native American occupation, colonial settlement, 
industrial growth, and 20th century diversification. For over 10,000 
years various native American groups occupied what was then known as 
the Merrimack River Valley. The abundance of fish and game in this area 
helped support these people's livelihood. By 1725, most of the native 
Americans inhabiting the Merrimack Valley had fled northward to escape 
conflict and disease brought about by European settlers that had 
migrated into the area.
  In the early 1700's, many European settlers began to move into the 
Manchester area. Scottish and Irish families with expertise in flax 
spinning and weaving were the first group to settle around what is now 
known as Londonderry in 1719. In 1722, John Goffe also established the 
town's first water-powered mill along Cohas Brook. In 1751, the town of 
Derryfield, now known as Manchester, was established.
  In the 1790's a man by the name of Samuel Blodget envisioned an 
industrialized Derryfield which could boast open trade routes with 
Boston to the south and Concord to the north. Consequently, he 
proceeded to fund the development of a canal and lock system around the 
Amoskeag Falls. In 1810, 3 years after Blodget's death, the residents 
of Derryfield voted to change

[[Page S5453]]

their town's name to Manchester to honor Blodget's prediction that ``a 
city like unto Manchester, England'' would rise because of the 
waterpower at the falls.
  In 1831, a group of investors known as Boston Associates began 
manufacturing textiles by purchasing the rights to the water power at 
the falls and developing a plan for a major complex of mills. The 
execution of this plan helped foster 100 years of growth and expansion 
as the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., became the largest textile producer 
in the world. At its peak, Amoskeag employed 17,000 workers and had 
over 30 major mills.
  In March of 1936 Manchester experienced a disastrous flood which 
completely devastated the city. The determined citizens of Manchester 
banded together to organize Amoskeag Industries and purchased the mill 
complex to help rebuild Manchester. The rebuilding of Manchester gave 
rise to a more diversified industrial base and the emergence of a 
strong service economy. Through the unyielding support of Manchester's 
citizens, local government, and banks, the local economy was slowly 
reborn. The complex of mills that still stand along the Merrimack are a 
reminder of how Manchester once flourished in the textile industry. The 
citizens of Manchester still have the Yankee ingenuity and commitment 
to growth and industry.
  Manchester's largest employers are now hospitals, universities, and 
technology companies. Manchester boasts a strong service and 
professional economy and is the largest city in New Hampshire. A 
combination of natural and historical spots are being developed for a 
potential tourism industry. The New Hampshire Heritage Trail is one of 
the major statewide projects. Additionally, many residents and visitors 
enjoy the Currier Gallery, the 883 seat Palace Theater and the 
Zimmerman House. These historical spots and others are quickly giving 
Manchester the reputation as the cultural center of the State.
  The citizens of Manchester will have much to celebrate on June 8. 
Among other highlights, the birthday bash will include a 150-foot-long 
birthday cake, sand sculptures, softball tournaments, classic car 
shows, and even a laser-light show. The Historical Association will 
sponsor a kite-flying contest and the high school jazz and concert 
bands will perform along with the Jack Jackson Big Band. The day 
promises to be quite festive as many people in Manchester join in 
celebrating the history of the Queen City.
  It is my honor to represent such a successful and thriving city in 
the U.S. Senate. I congratulate Manchester on the memorable occasion of 
its 150th birthday and wish the many residents of the city an exciting 
birthday celebration.

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