[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 83 (Monday, June 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5712-S5713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF HOOKSETT ON ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the town of Hooksett, NH on their 175th anniversary. 
Hooksett is celebrating their 175th birthday during the month of July, 
and the town's citizens will highlight these festivities with the 
dedication of a new safety center and numerous other activities. This 
New Hampshire town has a significant heritage to celebrate on their 
175th anniversary.
  The history of Hooksett began in the 1700's. The early settlers of 
this untamed country were independent and self-sufficient folk, 
characteristics that

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have endured in the people of this region. With their independent 
spirit and determination they built a strong and lasting community that 
makes their descendants proud. What is now Hooksett was once part of 
three other communities during the 18th century. The residents of these 
towns were dissatisfied with having to travel 17 miles over rugged 
terrain to the community of Chester to attend church or to vote.
  On June 11, 1782, 40 years before the town would be incorporated, the 
General Court granted a petition that established a ferry at Isle of 
Hooksett Falls. The town would eventually take its name from this area. 
These strong-spirited citizens were determined to form their own 
community and five petitions later to the General Court, Hooksett was 
finally incorporated July 2, 1822. The first town meeting was at Halls 
Tavern on September 16, 1822, where the first town officials of 
Hooksett took the oath to serve the people of the community. The voters 
elected: the Honorable Richard H. Ayer, selectman and moderator; Samuel 
head, selectman; Samuel Poor, selectman and Gideon Flanders as town 
clerk. The residents also elected constables, surveyors of lumber, 
treasurer, hog reeves and a school committee.
  Today, the town of Hooksett prides itself on its quality of life and 
community spirit, a tradition that has manifested itself throughout the 
town's history. This town of 9,400 residents boasts not only 
magnificent surroundings, but a community of friendly, caring neighbors 
as well.
  Mr. President, I congratulate the town of Hooksett on this historic 
milestone and wish them a happy 175th anniversary celebration. I send 
them my best wishes for continued success and a prosperous year as they 
mark their 175th birthday. Happy birthday, Hooksett.

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