[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOVING OF KATONAH, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, among the foothills and lakes which dominate 
the landscape 45 miles north of New York City, not far from Mt. Kisco, 
there is a small village by the name of Katonah. One hundred years ago 
the inhabitants of this marvelous town did something truly 
extraordinary and I would like to share this tale with the American 
people.
  In the 1800's, with New York City's population rapidly expanding due 
to newly arrived immigrants, a new supply of water was necessary. North 
of New York City are some of the most beautiful and pristine lakes and 
streams anywhere in the country, so it was here that New York City 
turned to fulfill its water needs. One of the small villages which 
dotted the landscape at this time was Katonah. With about 500 
residents, Katonah was a thriving hamlet of culture, art, and commerce. 
Luck be as it may, however, it was decided that the Cross River would 
be dammed and the resulting lake would completely devour the village of 
Katonah. This presented a unique situation to the 500 residents who had 
called Katonah home for many years. They could either take the money 
that was offered and relocate to another town or State, or they could 
do what they could to stick together and keep the village of Katonah 
alive. They chose the latter.
  In a remarkable feat of human ingenuity and determination, the people 
of Katonah decided that they were going to move their village to higher 
ground and preserve the heritage and history that is Katonah, NY. And 
so, work began to relocate not just the spirit and culture of Katonah, 
but indeed many of the actual buildings which made up Katonah. The 
village of Katonah, NY, was literally moved \1/2\ mile south of its 
former location to its present location.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the special people who 100 years ago 
decided that they were not going to surrender their village and their 
heritage and culture. I rise today to pay tribute to the current 
residents of Katonah, whose appreciation of history, culture, and 
community make Katonah a special place to live. Katonah has been home 
to me and my family for over 40 years. I raised four children in this 
marvelous village and my husband owns and operates a business in town. 
Katonah, NY, is my hometown and I stand here today with the same pride 
and admiration that I am sure was felt by my town's forefathers, and 
mothers, 100 years ago when they banded together and preserved one of 
New York State's treasures, the village of Katonah.

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