[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1494-E1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CORINTH GRANGE NO. 823 CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, if there's one organization that has 
consistently been at the center of American society for generation upon 
generation, it is the Grange. From its inception in rural America, to 
the Grange Halls that span across middle America and towns of all sizes 
and backgrounds today, the Grange has remained the consummate 
centerpiece for community life.
  Mr. Speaker, that is no easy task considering the times and changes 
we've seen over the course of this 20th century. And that's not to say 
that the Grange hasn't had to change along with it, because they have. 
How else can they remain a central part of so many communities? But 
thankfully, they have remained faithful to those core ideals and 
principles that have made them a central part of American life.
  One such Hall I'd like to make particular note of today is from my 
congressional district in upstate New York. I'm talking about the 
Corinth Grange No. 823 who will be celebrating their 100th anniversary 
later this month. Over the course of 100 years, the Corinth Grange has 
remained a focal point for community camaraderie and a source of 
traditional ideals like community service and volunteerism. Mr. 
Speaker, to me, those are the two ideals to which I most credit the 
tremendous history and progress of this country. And Mr. Speaker, they 
have played no less significant role in the history of Corinth and 
Grange No. 823.
  In fact, this fraternal organization is steeped in American history, 
so centrally tied to our Nation's roots and heritage it is impossible 
to separate one from the other. It is in places like Corinth, NY, where 
this rings true to this very day. Because of the work and activities of 
my fellow Grangers there, the ideals and values that have for so long 
comprised the American way of life survive today.
  That's right, Mr. Speaker, my wife and I have belonged to the Grange 
for over 25

[[Page E1495]]

years now, and I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this 
organization. I have always been one to put community and country above 
self and it is the Grange that embodies this spirit. In that regard, I 
always judge people based on what they return to their community. By 
that regard, all the members, past and present, of the Corinth Grange 
are truly great Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, the members of the Corinth Grange No. 823 will be 
holding an open house to commemorate their 100th anniversary on August 
25 of this year. As they will gather at the Grange Hall on Main Street, 
I ask now that you, and all Members of the House join with me to pay 
tribute to everyone who has comprised their history since back in 1896, 
they certainly deserve it.

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