[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF PLAISTOW, NEW HAMPSHIRE

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the town of Plaistow, New Hampshire on its two hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary. The town's residents will celebrate this historic 
occasion on June 27, 1999 with a number of festivities including a 
grand reception. I was proud to be invited to participate in this 
meaningful event.
  Plaistow's history first dates back to the year 1642 when families 
first settled in the Plaistow area. It was then that the Plaistow area 
was purchased. In 1749, Plaistow was incorporated. At that time, it was 
separated from Haverhill, Massachusetts. Then Governor Benning 
Wentworth, along with King George II signed the town's first charter.
  The town has had a rich and fruitful history. The First Baptist 
Church was built in 1837, and subsequently remodeled in 1906. The first 
Catholic Church, Holy Angels, was built in 1893, then redone in 1964. 
The first high school was built in 1966. Prior to that, the students 
traveled outside the town for schooling.
  Plaistow has steadily grown throughout the years. In 1854, there were 
800 people. In 1949, the town had grown to 1800 people. Today, over 
7000 people are residents of Plaistow.
  Through the years, Plaistow residents have courageously served their 
country. They have served in the Colonial War, Revolutionary War, Civil 
War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
  The most well known benefactor of the town was Arthur Pollard. 
Pollard donated the bell for the First Baptist Church, the land for 
Pollard School and the town hall, and the Civil War statue and cannons 
on the town green.
  I congratulate the town of Plaistow, and all of the dedicated and 
patriotic citizens there. I am proud to be their Senator.

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