[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE BOROUGH OF SEASIDE PARK ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in tribute to the 100th 
anniversary of the Borough of Seaside Park, New Jersey. Seaside Park is 
celebrating their 100th anniversary on March 2, 1998, and will be 
holding a ceremony on Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. at the regular 
meeting of the Town Council. Other events will take place this summer, 
including an Ocean Mini-marathon swim on August 15, a Dinner Dance on 
August 21, and a Centennial Parade on August 22, to be followed with a 
fair with children's games and music.
  The history of Seaside Park began in the late 1800's, and early 
settlers found the area so beautiful, they planned to create a park; 
thus the name Seaside Park. The early settlers were self-reliant 
people, and through their efforts they built a strong and vibrant 
community. In those early days, residents hauled sand to create the 
first roads, and many residents kept cattle, horses, and chickens.
  In 1872, the U.S. Life Saving Service was established, with William 
O. Miller as the first captain. The Life Saving station became the 
Coast Guard Station with the founding of the Coast Guard in 1915. 
Today, the station serves as a meeting facility and is home to the 
borough offices.
  Train service to Seaside Park began July 4, 1881, when the train made 
its first run from Philadelphia to Seaside Park. The railroad station, 
built in 1882, is now the site of the Municipal Complex.
  In 1899, the Seaside Park Yacht Club was built. Seaside Park's famous 
Sewell Cup for catboats was originally presented by U.S. Senator 
William Sewell during opening race ceremonies in 1900. The Sewell Cup 
is still raced today.
  In 1913, Seaside Park's Volunteer Fire Department was established. 
That year, the company built their first vehicle, a horse drawn hose 
truck. A large iron gong was rung whenever there was a fire, and 
residents responded. The gong is presently located outside the 
firehouse at the Municipal Complex. In 1938, the Tri-Boro First Aid 
Squad was formed. The squad originally covered the area from Lavallette 
to Barnegat Inlet.
  In 1973, Seaside Park adopted its official Borough Seal. The seal is 
divided into three parts, representing the trinity of land, sea and 
air, which are symbolized by the native beach plum, striped bass and a 
sea gull. The colors of the seal are blue for nobility, gold for 
preciousness, and white for purity.
  Mr. Speaker, today the Borough of Seaside Park prides itself on its 
excellent beaches, its quality of life, and its community spirit, where 
neighbors know and care about each other. I would therefore like to 
recognize all of the citizens of Seaside Park and their Mayor, John 
Peterson, Jr., and the Centennial Committee Chairperson, Ms. Nancy 
Carlson, for their ongoing and continuing pride and love for their 
town. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Borough 
of Seaside Park on this historic milestone, and wish them a happy, 
prosperous and successful next century.

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