[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6011-S6012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF GREENVILLE ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the town of Greenville, NH on their 125th anniversary. 
Greenville is celebrating their 125th birthday June 27-29, and the 
town's citizens will highlight these festivities with an anniversary

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parade and numerous other activities. This New Hampshire town has a 
significant heritage to celebrate on their 125th anniversary.
  The history of Greenville began in the mid-1760's with the building 
of a saw and grist mill by Thomas Barrett and his brother, Charles 
Barrett. From that time forward the mills have been the dominant 
feature of the town on the banks of the Souhegan River from the Upper 
Falls to the High Falls. The first mills were a grist or saw mill, 
however the adventurous pioneers discovered hydroelectricity which 
would help run woolen mills, the cotton mills, furniture mill, another 
saw mill and the generation of hydroelectricity which continues today.
  The early settlers of this untamed country were independent and self-
sufficient folk, characteristics that 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. By 
the early 19th century a unique village had grown around the mills 
along the flowing banks of the Souhegan. The village had its own 
meeting house, school, post office, inn, and several stores. As the 
mills thrived, the town around it blossomed into the town of today.
  The town of Greenville had been known by many names prior to 1872. 
The village along the river was first called Barrett's Mills, then 
Dakin's Mills, Mason Harbor, Souhegan Village, Mason Village, and 
finally Greenville in 1872.
  Today, the town of Greenville prides itself on its quality of life 
and community spirit, a tradition that has manifested itself throughout 
the town's history. Greenville is one of New Hampshire's smallest towns 
and boasts not only magnificent surroundings, but a community of 
friendly, caring neighbors as well.
  I congratulate the town of Greenville on this historic milestone and 
wish them a happy 125th anniversary celebration. I send them my best 
wishes for continued success and a prosperous year as they mark this 
historic occasion. Happy birthday, Greenville.

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