[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ENTERPRISE STEAMER COMPANY'S SERVICE TO THE 
               VILLAGE OF WALDEN AND WALDEN FIRE DISTRICT

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Enterprise Steamer Company's 125th anniversary of devoted service to 
the village of Walden and the Walden fire district. A parade will be 
held on June 14th in honor of the Enterprise Steamer Company's 
dedication to the village.
  On June 11, 1872, the Walden Village trustees purchased the button 
steam fire engine. Shortly thereafter, the late Thomas W. Bradley used 
it to organize the Enterprise Steamer Company No. 2. This vehicle is a 
vital part of home town parades in the village of Walden, as it has 
been for 125 years.
  Like the button steamer, there are also several members of the 
company who have been instrumental in its affairs. Former Chief Richard 
Tenney has been active in the company for 68 years and is currently its 
oldest living member; consequently, Mr. Tenney is one of the few who 
saw the button steamer in operation. Other long time members include 
another previous chief, Robert Goldsmith, who has served for 44 years, 
Lawrence Shaffer, who has worked for 53 years, and the current 
president of the Enterprise Steamer Company, Michael Pangia. Mr. 
Pangia, who has been the company's president for 12 years, is a former 
chief, assistant chief, and deputy chief, and thus has 44 years of 
active service. The present chief of the Enterprise Steamer Company is 
Howard R. Edwards, who is the youngest chief ever to serve for any 
Walden Fire Company.
  In order to celebrate its 125th anniversary of assistance to the 
Walden fire district, the Enterprise Steamer Company has refurbished 
its original ticker tape. In addition, the original button steamer has 
been refurbished, and will be drawn by a team of Clydesdale horses in 
the anniversary parade, akin to the method in which it was used in the 
late 1800's. The truck used by the company at present time is a 1972 
maxim pumper. Refurbished in 1985, the truck has served the company for 
26 years and will also be a part of the anniversary parade.
  At the 100th anniversary of the Enterprise Steamer Company, President 
Johnson attended the festivities. The Enterprise Steamer Company is the 
only company in Walden to be honored with the presence of an American 
President. This year, I will be attending this momentous occasion in 
order to pay tribute to a company which has long benefitted the people 
of the village of Walden. The Enterprise Steamer Company has provided 
an invaluable service to the community. The parade held in its honor is 
a tribute to all those citizens who have performed a great service to 
all.

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