[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY--THE MILFORD NATIONAL 
                         BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize an impressive milestone in the history of The 
Milford National Bank and Trust Company. On April 30, 1999, The Milford 
National Bank and Trust Company began the celebration of the 150th 
Anniversary of its founding. The theme for this year long celebration, 
``Building the Future on a History of Excellence,'' reflects the long-
standing dedication and clear vision of Milford National's officers.
  The Milford National Bank and Trust Company is the oldest continually 
operating bank in Milford and holds one of the oldest national bank 
charters, still in force, in the country. The bank was founded on April 
30, 1849, despite the lingering fear associated with recent financial 
panic. In 1865, as a response to the National Banking Act of 1864, the 
bank turned in its state charter and received National Charter 866. As 
the local economy began to flourish in the early to mid-1900s, The 
Milford National Bank helped create and sustain the growth of the area 
for generations of residents and businesses, both small and large.
  In the early 1900s, The Milford National Bank enjoyed unprecedented 
growth and prosperity. After the closing of two local banks, President, 
Chairman, and CEO Shelley D. Vincent III made the decision to grow the 
bank into a full-service commercial bank. Mr. Vincent acquired new 
branch offices, reorganized his senior management team, and began a 
total upgrade of the bank's technology systems. Mr. Vincent passed away 
in February 1997 and was succeeded by Mr. Robert J. Lewis, whom he had 
selected to carry on his vision for the bank.
  The bank was named ``one of the top three small business lending 
banks in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts'' in 1997 and has continued 
to add more services, products, and technological access to its 
repertoire. For 1999, there are plans to open a fifth banking office in 
Bellingham and add on-line internet banking for customers. The bank has 
created The Milford National Bank Charitable Foundation as a means to 
continue its long-standing support of local charities and civic 
activities, and awards four college scholarships to area students in 
memory of Shelley D. Vincent III.
  Mr. Speaker, The Milford National Bank and Trust Company has been 
building the future on a history of excellence for 150 years. Its 
service to the residents and businesses of the Greater Milford area and 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been unyielding and greatly 
beneficial. Please join me in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of 
The Milford National Bank and Trust Company, an institution that stands 
as a shining example of charitable, cultural, and community service.

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