[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DURYEA FARM IN MONSEY, NY TO CONTINUE SERVING COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I am able to 
report the preservation of a much needed and valued property in my 
congressional district in Monsey, NY. Earlier this year the Duryea Farm 
was purchased by the Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Foundation, Inc., which 
has announced that the farm will retain its agricultural character. 
This is truly an event to be lauded.
  On September 28, 1997, the Duryea Farm will be rededicated to the 
service of the people of Rockland County. One of the few remaining 
farms in Rockland, it will become the county's only organic farm. This 
step is noteworthy, marking the heritage of Rockland County, a place 
where orchards and barns were once the norm and not the exception.
  In addition to reclaiming this fading period of history, the Duryea 
Farm will house the Jessup Learning Center, named in honor of two 
longtime area educators. The learning center will focus on farm life 
through storytelling, photographs, and equipment owned by the Duryea 
family. Educational programs through the Cooperative Extension will 
also be offered. The combination of education and farming represents an 
admirable and worthwhile venture on the behalf of the Rudolf Steiner 
Fellowship Foundation, Inc., and the people of Rockland County.
  Saving this valuable parcel of land from the bulldozers of developers 
and giving it back to the community is a worthy gesture of goodwill. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming a bright future for the 
Duryea Farm.

                          ____________________