[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E445-E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF TOTOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 1998

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
truly momentous occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Borough of 
Totowa in Passaic County, New Jersey.
  The incorporation of Totowa in 1898 as a municipality in Passaic 
County, New Jersey, defined the boundaries that included the 3.7 square 
miles of mountain, meadows, rivers, and glens that are known today as 
Totowa Borough.
  The original inhabitants of Totowa were the Minsi tribe of the Lenni-
Lenape people.

[[Page E446]]

``Minsi'' means ``people of the stony country.'' The Lenni-Lenape word 
``Totauwei,'' from which we get the name Totowa, has been translated to 
mean ``heavy falling weights of water'' or ``where the water dives and 
reappears.'' Many historians believe this was in reference to the Great 
Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson.
  Settled by the Dutch around 1620, Totowa soon became part of the 
thriving, larger Dutch colony in the New York-New Jersey area. The 
colony changed to British rule in 1664 until the War for Independence 
began in 1776 and set the stage for a new nation.
  Totowa's shining moment in our nation's history came during the 
summer and fall of 1780 when General Washington and his Continental 
Army positioned themselves along the Totowa ridges, protected by the 
high ground and overlooking the river barrier to the East. During this 
time, some of our greatest patriots trod on Totowa's soil. Among this 
group were Generals Washington, Wayne, Knox, Stirling, Huntington, 
Glover, Saint Claire, Howe, and Greene. Additionally, the famous 
Marquis de Lafayette, Baron von Steuben, and the young Colonel 
Alexander Hamilton were also Totowa's honored guests.
  During Washington's encampment, the Army's most valued possession was 
their artillery, gathered at great risk and cost. General Washington 
and his Artillery Officer, General Henry Knox, chose to place their 
cannons close to Totowa Road where they could be used to support the 
army, but were to be quickly withdrawn Westward in the event of a 
British breakthrough. Indeed some of the street names such as Artillery 
Park Road, Knox Terrace, Battle Ridge Trail, and Lookout Point Trail 
reflect this proud period in our history.
  The Borough of Totowa was part of Essex County and then Bergen County 
before the County of Passaic was formed in 1837. Until the 
incorporation in 1898, Totowa was part of Manchester Township. The 
first election in the new municipality showed 85 registered voters with 
75 voting on April 12, 1898.
  From humble beginnings, Totowa has enjoyed steady growth until the 
end of World War II, which brought an influx of young families into the 
Borough thus doubling the population in the following decade. Today, 
through the efforts of citizens past and present, Totowa has become a 
balanced community with a blend of commerce, industry, and residential 
areas designed to provide affordable suburban living for its residents. 
In return, Totowa citizens have developed a tradition of volunteer 
service to their community, giving freely of their time and energy to 
benefit their neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Totowa's 
Mayor, Council, and residents in celebrating the truly momentous 
occasion of the Borough of Totowa's 100th Anniversary.

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