[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2143-E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 JOHNSON'S BOOKSTORE: A LANDMARK IN SPRINGFIELD, MA, SERVES COMMUNITY 
                        FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed emotions 
that I address this House today as Johnson's Bookstore, a landmark in 
Springfield for more than 100 years, announced that it will close its 
doors by the end of the year.
  Johnson's Bookstore, a family-run book shop located on Main Street in 
downtown Springfield, has long been a cultural and literary hub for 
children, students, and avid readers of all ages. Established in 1893 
by brothers Henry and Clifton Johnson, this business has been run 
consistently by the Johnson family. Committed to the value that the 
written word has in civilized society, the third and fourth generations 
of Johnsons embodied Henry and Clifton's legacy by continuing to bring 
a large selection of quality books and stationary to western 
Massachusetts.
  In addition to the many new releases and best sellers featured in the 
store, Johnson's Bookstore has brought innovative programs and 
initiatives to Springfield. The second-hand bookstore at Johnson's was 
a staple to countless students and bookworms in the area. Johnson's 
continues to provide the forum for Springfield's native literary talent 
to shine.
  Esteemed authors, including Joseph Conrad, Dr. Seuss (Theodore 
Geisel), and Robert Frost, and other notable celebrities, including 
entertainer Whoopi Goldberg and the late Boston Pops conductor Arthur 
Fiedler

[[Page E2144]]

have all thumbed through the shelves of Johnson's selections. They now 
know what those of us in Springfield have known for years; the charm, 
character and quality of a local, community-oriented bookstore like 
Johnson's is a treasure in today's modern society.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today both as a Member of this House and as a 
frequent patron to say goodbye and thank you to Johnson's Bookstore. 
The legacy you have left in Springfield will last for generations, and 
you will certainly be missed.

                          ____________________