[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E740-E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PALMERTON'S CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
residents of the Borough of Palmerton as they celebrate their 100th 
Anniversary.
  The history of Palmerton is a rich one. What is now Palmerton Borough 
was first settled by Europeans in the 1740's who were attracted to the 
area by its abundant natural resources--coal, paint ore, iron oxide, 
and zinc. Indeed, zinc mining was the main industry in the Borough for 
many years. Although Palmerton did not legally become a Borough until 
October 14, 1912, Palmerton's unofficial birthday was on July 3, 1898 
when, following the formation of the Palmer Land Company by Stephen S. 
Palmer, the President of the New Jersey Zinc Company, the town plan 
initiative was signed.
  In 1900, the people of Palmerton saw the completion of the sewer 
system and the introduction of telephone services and electricity to 
some homes. By 1907, Palmerton was home to more than 2000 people. The 
Palmerton Post Office, fire company, town park, Delaware Elementary 
School, Hospital, railroad passenger station, local Boy Scouts of 
America chapter, and the Neighborhood House all emerged in the 
surrounding years.

[[Page E741]]

  The region continued to grow as 110 bungalow-type houses and another 
125 homes were completed in 1913. In 1920, Palmerton was already home 
to a Red Cross Detachment, two banks, a four-year high school, and 
several churches. The Stephen S. Palmer Junior-Senior High School was 
opened in April 1925 for grades 7 through 12. The Palmerton Community 
Chest was formed and the first automatic telephones in the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania were installed.
  Although the coal and zinc mines that originally fueled the Borough's 
growth have long since closed, the 5400 residents of Palmerton Borough 
continue to thrive as they move toward the new millennium. Two major 
initiatives will help prepare the Borough for the 21st Century: the 
flood-control project at the Aquashicola Creek and the Brownfields 
initiative at Horsehead Industries' West Plant promoted by State 
Representative Keith McCall, county and borough officials, the local 
Chamber of Commerce, and myself.
  Since my election to Congress in 1984, I have spent a great deal of 
time in Palmerton but one visit last year is especially prominent in my 
mind. The event was a re-dedication of the town swimming pool, which 
had been renovated after 50 years of use. I have been to many events 
like this one over my career, but I was struck by the optimism of the 
crowd. It seemed like the entire town had come out to note how they 
were committed to looking after the future needs of their community. It 
brought home to me the community spirit that is at the heart of 
Palmerton.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to congratulate Palmerton on its 
Centennial Anniversary. Knowing that Palmerton's best days are ahead of 
it, I send my sincere best wishes for continued growth and prosperity.

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