[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E874-E875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ESPERANCE, NY CELEBRATES 150TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I have always been proud of the heritage 
and physical beauty of the 22d Congressional District of New York which 
I have the privilege of representing. It is for this reason, to savor 
the history and character of the picturesque towns and counties, that I 
return home every weekend.
  We often forget, Mr. Speaker, that the real America is not 
Washington, but the small towns and villages where real people live and 
work. I would like to talk about one such town today.
  Esperance, NY, located in beautiful Schoharie County will be 
celebrating their 150th birthday on this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 
1996. And what a fitting time for a celebration of history and 
community. It could not be more appropriate considering people all 
across this Nation will be paying tribute to

[[Page E875]]

those courageous veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice on 
behalf of their country, and yes Mr. Speaker, on behalf of their family 
and friends in towns like Esperance.
  But not everyone around the country has the opportunity to celebrate 
and rejoice in what the people of Esperance can this Monday. Even 
though things have changed there, like everywhere else, there is 
something special that remains an unmistakable part of the town's 
character that not enough people throughout the country can still boast 
of today. That something is the distinct smalltown charm that grips the 
town and the good citizens of Esperance. It can be seen at the church 
hall and the fire department and across the streets and fields where 
children play and farmers work.
  Yes, Mr. Speaker, that smalltown camaraderie and neighborly 
hospitality is one thing that thankfully has not changed. But I'll tell 
you about another thing. It is the pride and values of the citizenry. 
These are the things that I admire most about the towns like Esperance 
throughout my congressional district. And on May 27, residents of 
Esperance will take part in daylong festivities commemorating their 
heritage. There will be tours of the various historical sites and 
museum, contests for the children, parades and wagon rides and plenty 
of time to catch up with friends and neighbors and give thanks for the 
town and community they share.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the good people of Esperance for their 
commitment to their home and hard work in organizing this memorial to 
their heritage. I ask that you and all Members of the House join me in 
paying tribute to the people of Esperance on the occasion of the town's 
150th birthday.

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