[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAWYER FARM IN ORANGE COUNTY, NY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to call to the 
attention of our colleagues the 250 anniversary of the Sawyer Homestead 
and Farm, in Orange County, NY. It is my unique pleasure to rise before 
the House today and call upon my colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating the Sawyer family in maintaining a heritage which 
extends back so many generations.
  It was on the fourteenth day of September, 1747, that an indenture 
was made, allowing Richard Sawyer to acquire the initial properties at 
Maple Avenue, on which the Sawyer Homestead and Farm rest to this very 
day. This homestead is one of the oldest in the state, still retained 
by the original family. This is made all the more unique due to the 
fact that it has never in its 250 year history gone out of the original 
surname.
  Maintaining a homestead and the traditions that become attached to 
it, throughout the generations, through political upheavals and 
monumental changes in the world and in society should be admired by 
all. The value of the family, both present and past, is at the core of 
this establishment, and is an example to us all.
  The descendants of Richard Sawyer are celebrating this anniversary on 
the weekend of August 2, 1997 at Sawyer Farm, where so many generations 
were born and raised. On this auspicious occasion, I would especially 
like to mention Ethel Sawyer Martin, who will reach the age of 99 on 
November 11, 1997, and is the oldest living Sawyer family member. My 
heartfelt congratulations go to her, and may she have many more happy 
years on the Sawyer Homestead and Farm.
  Mr. Speaker, in joining the celebration on this important occasion, I 
invite our colleagues to join with me in extending greetings and 
congratulations, and the best of luck for the next 250 years.

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