[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 1998

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
people of the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey, as they 
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of their 
community. While Raritan has been incorporated as a self-governing 
municipality for only fifty years, its history dates back to the 
1600's.
  The Borough of Raritan is situated on the river bearing the same 
name, about one mile southwest of Somerville, New Jersey. Early records 
indicate that in 1846 or 1848 a group of residents gathered to decide 
upon a name for the village. After some discussion, it was decided to 
name the village after the Raritan River.
  As we look back in time, we find a place rich in history and culture. 
In 1734, George Middaugh, one of the early settlers, built a tavern at 
the corner of Glaser Avenue and Granetz Place. This tavern became the 
first meeting place for the colonists of the village of Raritan. One of 
the oldest historic houses in Somerset County is also located in 
Raritan. The Central Railroad of New Jersey, with the first bridge 
built across the Raritan River, provided excellent transportation for 
the citizens of Raritan.
  In 1844, there were four houses and a gristmill in Raritan. The first 
store was opened by J.V.D. Kelly, who owned the gristmill. The first 
Sunday School was established in 1845 in the blacksmith shop on 
Somerset Street, owned by John A. Staats. Religious services were held 
for several years at private residences by members of different 
denominations until the building of the old school-house on Wall 
Street.
  During the ministry of Gulliam Bertholf, and while he was on a 
missionary tour of northwest New Jersey, the First Reformed Church of 
Raritan was formed. Records indicate that written material of the 
church was in the Dutch language and the first record, dated March 8, 
1699, is of the baptism of the children of Jeronimus Van Neste, 
Cornelius Theunissen and Pieter Van Neste. In 1872, a group of people 
united and formed the Methodist Church and in, 1854, St. Bernard's 
Church was established.
  The year 1850 saw the opening of a new post office for the residents 
of Raritan. The population of the village at that time was 
approximately 2,240 people. Additionally, the first school-house was 25 
by 36 feet, and two stories high. In December 1871, the school and lot 
were sold to the Methodist Society. This is just a glimpse of Raritan's 
development as a community.
  The Borough of Raritan also has a very special place in our nation's 
history. Raritan has become a landmark of freedom and independence. The 
Reformed Church is proud of the fact that General George Washington 
spent the winter of 1779 in a home in Raritan. Another historical fact 
notes that, in 1778, General Lafayette made his headquarters in the 
``Cojeman House'' in Raritan.
  Raritan gave its all to the World War I effort and the sacrifice of 
the people was acknowledged by the United States Congress when they 
decided that a ship be built and named after the Borough. The S.S. 
Natirar (Raritan spelled backwards), was launched at Wilmington, 
Delaware in 1920. This was a high honor bestowed upon a town, but 
Raritan received another distinction when President Warren G. Harding 
signed the Treaty of Raritan at the home of United States Senator 
Joseph S. Frelinghuysen of Raritan on July 20, 1921, officially ending 
World War I.
  During World War II, thousands of citizens from Raritan also served 
with distinction and honor and one in particular is remembered each 
year. Marine Sergeant John Basilone was awarded the first Congressional 
Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Guadalcanal. He was later 
killed in Iwo Jima in 1945. Today, his memory is celebrated by the 
annual Basilone Parade, held each September.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues, in 
congratulating the citizens of the Borough of Raritan as they celebrate 
this historic milestone.

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