[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1329-E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE TOWN OF HOLLAND, MA, ON THE DEDICATION OF ITS NEW TOWNHALL 
              AND THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 215TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor 
the town of Holland, Massachusetts on the dedication of its new Town 
Hall and the celebration of its 215th anniversary.
  In 1730, the Town of Holland was settled by Joseph Blodgett, whose 
descendants still live in the town today. The Town was named after Lord 
Holland, an English statesman who lobbied for independence for the 
American colonies. The town was incorporated on July 5, 1783, and is 
rich with history.
  Holland is located in the southeast corner of Hampden County in 
Western Massachusetts. The town is four square miles in area. It 
contains the Quinnebaug River and the Hamilton Reservoir, one of the 
largest reservoirs in southern New England. It is nestled amongst two 
hill ranges, where elevations reach up to 1,100 feet.
  Throughout the years, Holland has remained an example of the charm 
and beauty of the traditional New England village. At different times, 
it has sustained industries such as farming, the manufacturing of 
cloth, and brick making. To this day, Holland is known most for its 
recreational opportunities. There are extensive recreational facilities 
at the Hamilton Reservoir, which is stocked with trout each year by the 
state of Massachusetts. There is also a park and a swimming area at the 
very picturesque Lake Siog. This small town remains as alive and 
healthy today as it was 215 years ago.

[[Page E1330]]

  Unfortunately, the 200-year old town hall was destroyed in a 
horrendous fire in December of 1995. The new Town Hall, which was 
dedicated on July 11, 1998, stands as a testament to the courage and 
character of the 2,300 residents of this wonderful town. I want to 
acknowledge this town and its residents as they celebrate their new 
Town Hall as well as their 215th anniversary.

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