[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5611-S5612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF ALTON'S BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND 200 YEARS 
                               OF HISTORY

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Alton, 
NH, on

[[Page S5612]]

the occasion of their community bicentennial celebration. Almost 200 
years ago on June 16, 1796, the town of Alton was incorporated by the 
New Hampshire House and Senate and approved by then-Governor Gilman. To 
honor 200 years of history, the citizens of Alton have designated 1996 
as a year of bicentennial celebrations with a variety of special town 
activities. Alton's big Bicentennial Day celebration is planned for 
June 16 and the bicentennial parade will take place August 17.
  The history of Alton began around 1770 when the first pioneers 
arrived in the area. Early settlers worked diligently to construct 
roads and bridges, schools and churches. The area now known as Alton 
these settlers first moved to was truly majestic--the southern tip of 
Lake Winnipesaukee along the shores of the Merrymeeting River, and 
nestled by the mountains. Today, Alton still sits in a very picturesque 
area of the lakes region of New Hampshire--not too far from my hometown 
of Tuftonboro.
  Alton's first town hall meeting was held at the home of Capt. 
Benjamin Bennett. Town officers were elected on that day, March 13, 
1797, and other pertinent town matters were discussed. For hundreds of 
years now, Alton has continued the town meeting tradition. As Alton's 
bicentennial proclamation states on behalf of Alton's residents, ``the 
principles of democracy and self-governance have prevailed on issues 
such as spending appropriations, building of meeting houses, support of 
education, construction of highways and bridges, collection of taxes, 
election of political representatives, and enforcement of laws.''
  A number of significant events occurred for Alton in the 1800's. In 
1849, the railroad arrived in the town and the trains continued to stop 
in the Alton Bay area until 1935. Then, in 1872, the steamer, Mount 
Washington, was first launched in Alton Bay after being constructed 
there. From 1880 to 1920, the Rockwell Clough Co. employed a number of 
residents and became nationally known as the first manufacturer of cork 
screws and the company that invented paper clips.
  Recently, the people of Alton suffered through a devastating flood 
that destroyed many homes. I had the opportunity to visit the area 
after the flood and witnessed how quickly this community had joined 
together to rebuild. Rescue teams and volunteers, along with families 
and friends, worked together day and night to help their neighbors who 
were victims of the flood. I was very impressed with the strength and 
fortitude this community displayed.
  The public officials and residents of Alton have planned some festive 
activities to recognize the 200 years of history their town has 
enjoyed. A number of exhibits will be on display in the townhall 
featuring clay pipes, summer camps, railroads, and the Alton Central 
School. The Alton Historical Society will provide a walking tour of the 
city and conduct various other historical programs. A haunted hay ride 
and haunted house are also planned later in the year for Halloween. 
June 16 will mark the big anniversary celebration with day-long 
activities including a family picnic, fireworks, and a bicentennial 
march to Alton Central School.
  My wife taught school in Alton, so this scenic lakeside town holds a 
special place in the hearts of the Smith family. I congratulate all the 
residents of Alton on this historic milestone and wish them all an 
enjoyable year of celebration and remembrance. You all should be very 
proud of your heritage and 200 years of history.

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