[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LADIES' ANCIENT ORDER OF THE HIBERNIANS, 
                               DIVISION I

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ladies' 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division I, in St. Clair County, IL. They 
will celebrate their 100th anniversary on Sunday, October 20, 1996.
  The women of Division I received their charter in East Saint Louis, 
IL, on October 30, 1896. Originally, the primary purpose of the Ladies' 
AOH was to assist young immigrant Irish girls coming to the United 
States in security employment, offering them protection, and moral 
support. Today, Hibernians are primarily a Catholic action group and 
service organization. The preamble of the constitution of the Ladies' 
order states the intent and purpose of the group is to promote the 
interests and welfare of Americans of Irish descent, to aid the people 
of Ireland to achieve independence, to promote Catholic action and to 
assist in mission work.
  Throughout the years the Ladies' AOH has supported local social work 
agencies such as the Catholic Urban League, Poor Clare Sisters, the 
Radio Service, the Bishop's Burse, St. Jude's Hospital, and the Special 
Olympics. Division I also supports the national organization's Irish 
essay contest for middle and high school students in order to foster an 
interest in the history of Ireland among young people.
  Irish-Americans have long been an integral part of our common 
history. The contributions that the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians 
have made their community and their heritage are invaluable to the 
people of St. Clair County. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing 
them a wonderful centennial celebration and best wishes for the next 
100 years.

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