[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST MERRIAM-WEBSTER 
                               DICTIONARY

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Merriam-Webster, Inc., who, today celebrates the 150th anniversary 
of the publication of its first dictionary. In the early 19th century, 
Noah Webster created the original work that laid the groundwork for the 
Merriam-Webster dictionaries of today. However, it was the initiative 
of two brothers, George and Charles Merriam, that established Merriam-
Webster dictionaries as the standard.
  In 1831, George and Charles Merriam opened a printing and book 
selling operation in Springfield, MA. G. and C. Merriam Co., later 
renamed Merriam-Webster in 1982, inherited the Webster legacy by 
revising and updating Webster's dictionary after his death in 1843. 
From that day on, the two brothers continued to uphold Webster's 
integrity and style and incorporated Webster's mastery into their own 
editions. In keeping with the Webster tradition, the Merriam brothers 
selected Chauncey Goodrich, Webster's son-in-law and literary heir, and 
William Webster's son, to serve as editors of the first Merriam-Webster 
dictionary.
  President James K. Polk, several U.S. Senators, and many other 
prominent people regarded the first Merriam-Webster dictionary as a 
great resource for all. By 1850, it became a resource for students 
across the country and continues to be America's most trusted authority 
on the English language. Today, Merriam-Webster reference products are 
found in every office, home, and school. These products serve the 
global community and are acknowledged with much prestige.
  For the past 150 years Merriam-Webster, Inc., has maintained a staff 
that embodies character and standards formulated by Noah Webster and 
the Merriam brothers. This philosophy continues to be the driving force 
behind the company, which today boasts the largest group of 
lexicographers in North America. This knowledgeable and experienced 
staff has and will continue to ensure that the style, voice, and 
integrity of its founding fathers continues into the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to have Merriam-Webster be a part 
of the Second Congressional District in Massachusetts. I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in congratulating Merriam-Webster, Inc., on 
the occasion of its 150th anniversary of its publicized dictionary.

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