[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 98 (Friday, July 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF NORTHBRIDGE

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
warmly congratulate the town of Northbridge, MA, as it celebrates its 
225th anniversary.
  Northbridge, a present day community of approximately 13,000 
residents in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage 
Corridor, was incorporated as a town on July 14, 1772. Comprised of the 
five villages of Whitinsville, Rockdale, Riverdale, Linwood, and 
Northbridge Centre, this great municipality has a rich history 
characterized by its pioneering leadership in the development of the 
traditional New England manufacturing industry. At the inception of the 
Industrial Revolution, capitalizing on its fertile geographic 
competitive advantage to develop burgeoning industries, cotton, brick, 
and textile mills emerged in Northbridge steadily replacing older saw 
and grist mills, and still remain today as vital economic assets. In 
particular, the Whitin Machine Works, built in 1847, long served as the 
industrial center of the Northbridge economy, employing hundreds of 
members of the community through the 1950's.
  In addition, Northbridge is widely noted for its striking aesthetic 
beauty and ebullient civic pride. Its citizens have had a strong, 
storied commitment of service to both community and country. Residents 
of Northbridge have served in all military wars and conflicts dating 
back to the American Revolution. In particular, Rosaire ``Ross'' 
Rajotte' dual service is illustrative of the unwavering Northbridge 
commitment to the larger community of which it is a part. Remarkably, 
Ross Rajotte earned four Purple Hearts during World War II. He then 
returned home after the war to become a leader in municipal affairs, 
serving three times on the Board of Selectman, and as its chairman 
once, as well as helping establish both Northbridge's Conservation 
Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and admiration that I commend 
Northbridge for its outstanding, prosperous, and distinctive civic 
character. I wish future generations of community members the very best 
in maintaining Northbridge's glowing testament of progress and 
citizenship.

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