[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BLENHEIM CELEBRATES 200 YEARS

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, the true character of America was shaped, 
not in its largest cities, but in countless small towns and villages.
  The spirit of pride, patriotism, and voluntarism is alive and well in 
these smaller communities, where everybody knows and cares about 
everybody. I'd like to say a few words this morning about one such 
community, one of my favorites.
  The town of Blenheim was the largest of six towns formed in Schoharie 
County on March 17, 1797. Its most famous landmark is the Blenheim 
Covered Bridge, the longest single span wooden covered bridge in the 
world and a national registered landmark. The town's most famous son 
was Hezekiah Dickerman, who built a large tannery after moving there in 
the 1840's.
  Another famous figure was Capt. Jacob Hager, who, along with his 
brothers fought in the Revolutionary War and had several encounters 
with the Iroquois Indians in the Schoharie Valley. Some of the present-
day Hagers still live on part of the original Hager property.
  The town of Blenheim is also home to Lansing Manor, home of Judge 
John Lansing's daughter and her husband. Lansing played a role in 
developing our Bill of Rights. The Lansing Manor is currently home to 
the New York State Power Authority Visitors' Center.
  The town still has a one-room school house which has been reopened as 
a museum. Every year, third and fourth graders visit the school to 
learn about the Revolutionary War heroes who came to Blenheim to lease 
land on the Blenheim patent. The museum is also used for collecting, 
preserving, interpreting, and promoting interest in the art, history, 
and culture of the town of Blenheim and surrounding area.
  In the period immediately after the Revolutionary War, the area was 
primarily agricultural. The town of Blenheim has adjusted to the modern 
era, but not at the expense of its small-town charm, which present-day 
residents have been careful to preserve.
  On Saturday, July 12, the town of Blenheim will celebrate its 200th 
birthday. The celebration will feature the New York State champion 
fiddler and many exhibits on the theme of the Revolutionary War.
  Mr. Speaker, let us today express our own birthday wishes to this 
most American of small towns, and wish her and all her residents best 
wishes in the future. Better yet, Mr. Speaker, come up and visit the 
town of Blenheim some time for a good glimpse of what made this Nation 
great.

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