[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GENEVA BERRIEN

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Brooklyn's 
finest entrepreneurs, Geneva Berrien.
  A native of Texas, Mrs. Berrien migrated to Brooklyn, New York after 
spending several years in Chicago. She worked for Gimbel's Department 
Store before pursuing a career in hat design. She graduated from 
McDowell School of Design in 1948 after completing a course in 
millinery design. Geneva became one of Brooklyn's most popular and 
outstanding milliners known for her unique designs throughout New York 
State and the nation. It was not a ``Hat Show'' until ``Geneva's 
Originals'' were shown. ``Geneva's Millinery Shop'' was opened in 1950 
and remained a lucrative business until 1968 when she decided to 
operate from her home on a part-time basis. Even today, her hats are 
still being worn and are just as stylish as when Geneva created them.
  Geneva Berrien is also known for her long service as a member of 
Cornerstone Baptist Church which she joined in 1947. She was active in 
the Victory Club and the Business and Professional Women's Division of 
the Missionary Society. Additionally, she served as a teacher in the 
Cornerstone Vacation Bible School; she participated as a Board Member 
of the Isaiah Whitehurst School and the Cornerstone Day Care Center. 
Geneva also was a faithful member of the Senior Choir and Chairlady of 
Women's Day in 1964. As a member of the National Council of American 
Baptist Women, she received citations for outstanding Christian work in 
the church and the Standard Leadership and Curriculum Card for her 
involvement in Christian Education Week activities in 1970, 1972, and 
1975.
  Please join me in honoring one of Brooklyn's pioneering 
businesswomen, Geneva Berrien.

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