[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 117 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8934-S8935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING DURHAM MANU-FACTURING'S 75TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President. I rise today to commemorate the 75th 
birthday of one of the oldest and most respected companies in my home 
State--the Durham Manufacturing Co. of Durham, CT. Few companies ever 
enjoy such long-term success, but Durham Manufacturing has been able to 
thrive for so many years because it is committed not only to 
manufacturing excellence, but also to its workers and to its 
surrounding community.
  The Durham Manufacturing Co. was founded after a fire destroyed the 
factory for Merriman Manufacturing Co., which had been Durham's largest 
employer for decades. The residents of Durham were determined to keep 
their community together, and in 1922, the Durham Manufacturing Co. 
began operations out of a wooden barn. Durham Manufacturing specialized 
in the manufacture of tin-coated iron cash boxes and cash boxes with a 
handle and combination lock which were used to store insurance 
policies.
  During World War II, Durham Manufacturing adapted its production to 
meet the needs created by the war and became the leading supplier of 
first aid boxes to the Armed Forces. After the war, Durham saw many of 
its Government contracts expire, and unfortunately, in 1947, the wooden 
factory was destroyed by fire.

[[Page S8935]]

  While many companies would have folded up their tents under such 
adversity, there was never any doubt that the Durham Manufacturing Co. 
would continue. After the fire, the company took on a new direction as 
its focus shifted from custom contract work to developing proprietary 
product lines, which have evolved into their current product lines of 
first aid boxes, storage cabinets and bins, and office products. Today, 
their products are used throughout North America and Europe, and this 
company, which began operating out of a wooden barn, now has its own 
site on the World Wide Web. Clearly, the future of Durham Manufacturing 
appears even more promising than its past.
  It is only appropriate that Durham Manufacturing's current factory is 
located on Main Street, because theirs is an All-American success 
story. But while there is a Main Street in most every town in the 
country, companies like Durham Manufacturing have become all too rare--
a business where generations of family members have worked to build not 
only a profitable company, but a prosperous community, as well. 
Companies like Durham Manufacturing represent the backbone of small 
cities all around this country, and it is important that we recognize 
and celebrate their longevity.
  Again, I would like to congratulate the Durham Manufacturing Co. on 
the occasion of their 75th birthday, and I wish many more years of 
continued prosperity.

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