[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 49 (Monday, April 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3602-S3603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RUBY COHEN

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute 
to a unique and wonderful person who graced the State of Connecticut 
and who recently passed away at the age of 87, Mr. Rubin H. ``Ruby'' 
Cohen.
  Ruby hailed from Colchester, Connecticut. He accomplished a great 
many things during his exceptional life. The son of Jewish immigrants, 
Ruby made his mark at an early age. At 15 years old, after quitting 
school, Ruby went to work at a local hot dog stand called Harry's Place 
in Colchester. Then at the age of 18, with $300 borrowed from 
relatives, Ruby Cohen purchased Harry's Place, which eventually became 
a popular stopping point for travelers making their way between 
Connecticut and the Rhode Island beaches in the summer.
  Soon, Governors, State Legislators, and politicians were stopping in 
for a bite to eat. It is at Harry's Place that my father, Thomas Dodd, 
came to meet and befriend Ruby Cohen. My father deeply valued this very 
special man who was always honest with his opinions and supportive 
throughout their many years of friendship.
  However, politicians did not go to Harry's Place simply to enjoy a 
hot dog, but to rub elbows with one of Connecticut's most influential 
lawmakers. Unassuming in his presence, Ruby Cohen was, in fact, 
considered a powerful political insider. He began his political career 
in 1942 when he was first elected to the state House of 
Representatives. His popularity with the voters of Colchester earned 
him 14 more terms in office during which he became the first Democrat 
in 85 years to become the House Chairman of the Appropriations 
committee, a position he held for 12 years.
  It was during his tenure as Chairman that Ruby Cohen distinguished 
himself as a legislator and also aided a cultural renaissance in my 
hometown of East Haddam. Back in 1959, The Goodspeed Opera House, which 
sits quietly on the Connecticut River just a short distance from my 
home, was a dilapidated state-operated garage in dire need of repairs. 
When Ruby Cohen was approached by one of his colleagues in the House 
who expressed a desire to renovate the structure, Ruby seized an 
opportunity to enhance a community. He drafted a bill appropriating 
$10,000 for the repair of the building's roof, successfully beginning 
the creation of the Opera House. Today, the Goodspeed Opera House is a 
nationally renowned theater with a reputation for excellence in the 
arts. We have Ruby Cohen to thank for recognizing the value and 
importance of the arts within a community and for providing this quiet 
Connecticut town with an artistic outlet.
  Ruby will also be remembered for his commitment to preserving 
Connecticut's open spaces well before it became an issue of national 
importance. He played an integral role in the establishment of one of 
Connecticut's better-known refuges, Gay City State Park in Hebron. He 
spearheaded the restoration of the Comstock Bridge in East Hampton. 
Also on his list of accomplishments is the preservation of the Gelston 
House, a historic hotel which stands next to the Goodspeed Opera House.
  Mr. President, Ruby Cohen was an honest man from meager beginnings

[[Page S3603]]

who went on to establish a reputation in Connecticut as a respected 
lawmaker and friend. His death is a difficult loss for those who relied 
on his political wisdom and personal support. Even with his passing, we 
all may be comforted in the thought that his spirit and memory may be 
found in so many ways throughout a state he held so dear. He is 
survived by his two sons, David and Max, three daughters, Susan, 
Margaret, and Mary Ann, nine grandchildren, and one great-
granddaughter. I offer my heartfelt condolences to each of 
them.

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