[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 10 (Thursday, January 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF BERLIN, NH, AS IT CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL 
                              ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
people of Berlin, NH, on their city's 100th anniversary. The residents 
of this north country community will begin celebrating this historic 
occasion February 2 and continue celebrating with a number of 
festivities including a parade, fireworks show, and music presentation.
  The tract of New Hampshire's wilderness now known as Berlin allowed 
the first settlers striving for independence to come across the 
mountains to start a new community in the isolated but spectacularly 
beautiful, rugged land. At that time, the area was called the 
Plantation of Maynesborough after a renowned English gentleman to whom 
it was granted by the Crown in 1771. Though this area was severe in the 
winter, no one had to go hungry because the woods were full of deer and 
partridge, and the brooks and river teemed with trout. The seemingly 
endless stands of timber-pine, spruce, fir, and much more scenic beauty 
stretched across the land.
  I travel to Berlin often. It is the gateway to northern New 
Hampshire. I am always heartened by the sense of community spirit and 
the dedication to excellence in the people of this industrial town. I 
have worked with the members of the city government, and many 
residents, on issues ranging from environmental protection to job 
security at the plants to economic development for local business. I 
know the people of Berlin to possess the Yankee independence exhibited 
by the first settler, William Sessions. That drive, fellowship, and 
community spirit still holds true in the Berlin of today.
  The village was incorporated on February 2, 1897, by Governor 
Ramsdell, under the name of Berlin. Over the next 20 years, settlers 
continued farming, running sawmills, and raising homes and families. By 
1920, Berlin became a busy industrial center and the capital of the 
papermaking world with the formation of the Brown family's Berlin Mills 
Co. It is an industry still prevalent today.
  Thomas Green opened Berlin's first retail market for business in 
1835. By 1890, Berlin developed a downtown of wood framed stores, 
churches, and other public buildings that lined the unpaved streets and 
wooden boardwalks. After the turn of the century, several hotels, 
theaters, and even a large opera house could be found in the center of 
Berlin's flourishing economy. On July 24, 1902, a street railway began 
operating between Berlin and Gorham, and in 1920, the railway 
transported over 1.6 million passengers.
  Many of the buildings that graced the streets of Berlin in the early 
1900's still exist today and exemplify some of Berlin's extraordinary 
architecture. Several of the events planned for Berlin's centennial 
celebration will take place in these historic areas of the city. Sunday 
evening's formal ceremonies will be held in Berlin's city hall, 
completed in 1914 by A.N. and J.B. Gilbert. The city hall illustrates 
Gerogian revival architecture.
  I regret I cannot attend the joyous festivities today, but I warmly 
congratulate the residents of Berlin on 100 years of history. I wish to 
extend my very best wishes for a festive week of activities and 
continued prosperity. Happy birthday Berlin.

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