[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF PELHAM, NH, ON THEIR 250TH ANNIVERSARY 
                              CELEBRATION

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
town of Pelham, NH, as they celebrate their 250th birthday on July 5. 
The town residents have been busy planning a big birthday bash 
including a charter ceremony, birthday party, fireworks, the town's 
largest parade, a fireman's muster and many other enjoyable events for 
the July 4 weekend. The activities are certain to bring the town 
together for an historic 3-day celebration.
  In 1721, the first settlers came to Pelham. John Butler led a group 
of families from Woburn, MA, who first came to the area. The Wymans, 
Jakes, Richardsons, and Hamblets were part of the first group. Butler's 
memory is now honored by a monument on the town common.
  The town of Pelham was incorporated on July 5, 1746. Then Governor 
Benning Wentworth of the new royal province signed the town charter on 
that day and named the town of Pelham after Henry Pelham, who was the 
Prime Minister of England at the time. Pelham had been a member of the 
House of Commons since 1717, and had been made Secretary of War in 
1724. He succeeded Lord Wilmington as First Lord of the Treasury in 
1721 and became prime minister in 1743, serving 11 years.
  One interesting note is that Pelham was once a part of Massachusetts. 
In 1741, when the boundary line was finally settled between New 
Hampshire and Massachusetts, Pelham became part of New Hampshire. 
Originally, the town was very agricultural and had many dairy farms. 
Since then most of the farms have disappeared and only a few active 
farms exist today.
  One of Pelham's wel-known residents was the Reverend Augustus Barry 
who was born in 1861. He was the minister of the First Congregational 
Church and was very active in the schools until his death in 1899. 
Today, the town has four major churches--St. Patrick Church, Pelham 
Baptist Church, the New England Pentecostal Ministries, and the First 
Congregational Church. Pelham's first library was built in 1896, and 
will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.
  Several of the events planned for the weekend birthday celebration 
will take place in the more historic areas of the town. Friday 
evening's charter ceremony and birthday party will be held on the 
grounds of the First Congregational Church, founded in 1751 just 5 
years after the town was founded.
  I congratulate the residents of Pelham on 250 years of history. I 
wish to extend my very best wishes for a festive weekend of activities 
and continued prosperity. Happy Birthday Pelham.

                          ____________________