[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ARTHUR MITTELDORF

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur 
Mitteldorf, a devoted conservationist and warm friend and respected 
member of the community.
  Mr. Mitteldorf's contributions cannot be measured. Throughout the 
years, he freely gave of his time and knowledge to environmental 
advisory committees. He wrote persuasive articles and commentaries on 
topics such as air quality, hazardous materials, and the consequences 
of building dams. His presence will be sorely missed by members of the 
Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, where he put words to the views of 
many.
  Early in life, his aesthetic sense found expression in music. While 
obtaining a degree in chemistry from Brooklyn College, Arthur played 
the cello in orchestras and chamber ensembles. His life as a cello 
player was set aside to become a businessman, and he rose to become 
president and chief executive of Spex Industries, Inc in Edison New 
Jersey. Later in life he returned to his music as a member of the 
Chamber Music Society of the Monterey Peninsula and of the Carmel Music 
Society.
  Arthur Mitteldorf and his wife Harriet undertook a project that was 
two years in the doing. Together they searched Carmel Valley for a 
stand of redwoods that would epitomize the beauty of the area. In 1990, 
having found a majestic tract, they donated 1,100 acres of redwood 
dotted canyons and hills to the Big Sur Land Trust. It is now known as 
the Mitteldorf Preserve. The Preserve not only provides a refuge for 
flora and fauna, but has become the centerpiece of the Land Trust 
public outreach, multiplying the Mitteldorf's contribution by setting 
an example to others to join them in their love for the land.
  Arthur Mitteldorf's generosity, his staunch defense of the 
environment, and his commitment to his community will be sorely missed 
by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his family. We can take 
solace in the knowledge that his contributions will enrich generations 
into the future.

                          ____________________