[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 15, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF BARRINGTON ON ITS 275TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the town of Barrington, NH. On July 20, 1997, the people of 
Barrington will gather in celebration of the 275th anniversary of the 
town's charter.
  On May 10, 1722 Gov. Samuel Shute signed Barrington's charter on 
behalf of King George I, encouraging the settlement of a new plantation 
of 50 dwelling houses, a meeting house for public worship, a parsonage, 
and a school. However, when Barrington's first settlers crossed the 20 
miles between the harbor town of Portsmouth and their new plots of 
white pine forest land, they found the terrain wrought with the tough, 
plow-bending granite which has come to make New Hampshire famous. Early 
accounts depict fields overrun with rattle snakes and forests brimming 
with less-than-hospitable native tribes.
  Nevertheless, in quintessential Yankee fashion, the people of 
Barrington cut out a tiny foothold for themselves. Together, they 
burned back the brush, felled the towering hardwoods, and quarried the 
granite using crude hand-held drills and chisels. By 1742, granite 
boulders had been hewn into foundations and apple orchards had been 
planted. By 1750, Barrington's lumber mills were providing the timber 
for ships' masts in England, posts and beams for homes in surrounding 
towns, and chord wood for firing the seacoast's early ironworks.
  Mr. President, on Sunday I will join with the people of Barrington on 
the steps of its landmark Calef's Country Store to commemorate this 
historic birthday. Since its rudimentary beginnings the town of 
Barrington has grown into a prosperous township of 6,600 people. 
Joining me on Sunday will be members of Barrington's volunteer fire 
department, Barrington's volunteer emergency medical service and 
Barrington's volunteer youth association. I am pleased to report the 
unwavering dedication to community is alive and well in Barrington 
after 275 years.
  Happy birthday, Barrington. Live Free or Die.

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