[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO C.H. ALBRIGHT

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, in my many years of public service to 
the people of South Carolina, one of the finest and most dedicated 
public servants I have known in C.H. ``Icky'' Albright, a leading 
businessman, civic booster, and the former mayor of Rock Hill. Today, I 
rise to pay tribute to my friend, and to wish him a happy 90th 
birthday, which he celebrated on August 30.
  Without question, Icky has had a full life, and one marked by many 
impressive accomplishments. A graduate of Clemson College, Icky's 
initial calling in life was as an architect, and he practiced his 
profession first at the South Carolina Highway Commission, and later in 
his beloved Rock Hill. To this day, many of the buildings he designed 
remain standing, including several on what has become the campus of 
Winthrop University. Despite his success as an architect, Icky, as so 
many enterprising Americans do, wanted to try his hand at running a 
business, and he eventually gave up architecture in order to manage the 
Marshall Hardware Co. where he demonstrated his skills as an 
administrator and entrepreneur.
  In communities throughout the Nation, being a business leader is a 
natural springboard into public service, and it was not long before 
Icky's reputation for hard work, integrity, and desire to help others 
led my friend into politics. In the years following World War II, 
during which Icky had volunteered for the Navy and earned the rank of 
lieutenant, we was elected as a city councilman, mayor, and State 
senator. In each instance, he held himself to the highest standards of 
his office and he worked diligently to represent his constituents 
capably, effectively, and fully. During my term as governor, Icky was 
serving as Mayor of Rock Hill, and I remember being impressed by his 
dedication to improving his city and the many projects which he 
successfully undertook during his tenure.
  Icky's reputation around Rock Hill was that of a man of action. He 
was always eager to become involved in any endeavor that would benefit 
his hometown and make it an even better place. Many of his initiatives 
are still part of life in Rock Hill, including the Come-See-Me 
celebration, an annual event designed to celebrate the beauty and 
hospitality of that city. Without question, Icky has left a commendable 
legacy through his many years of public service.
  My friend's commitment to helping others was not limited to the 
public sector. Through his involvement with numerous broads, 
commissions, and committees, Icky worked to help build South Carolina 
and its business community into a vibrant and successful place. He 
established Albright Realty Company; served as president of both the 
South Carolina Hardware Association and the South Carolina Association 
of Realtors; and ended his professional career as the District Director 
of the Small Business Administration in South Carolina. Additionally, 
Icky served on the board of visitors of Presbyterian College; the 
building committee for the Medical University of South Carolina; as a 
delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1948; and, as an 
elder in the Presbyterian Church. Icky's commitment to service has 
earned him many awards and recognitions, including being inducted as a 
Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, the highest recognition a 
non-Rotarian may be awarded.
  Mr. President, Icky Albright is a man whose friendship I value 
greatly. He is the godfather of my daughter, Nancy Moore Thurmond, and 
a man who has been one of my strongest supporters through the years. I 
am always pleased whenever I have the opportunity to visit with Icky, 
his loverly wife Sophie, or their sons. Without question, Icky Albright 
is a man who has served his city, State, and Nation admirably, and it 
is my hope that others will follow the lead he has set for public 
spiritedness and willingness to help others. We are proud of his many 
accomplishments and contributions, and that we are able to claim him as 
a citizen of South Carolina.

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