[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E120-E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO FILLMORE, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AMO HOUGHTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my most sincere 
congratulations to the community of Fillmore, New York, as it enters 
its Sesquicentennial Year. This vibrant community, located in Allegany 
County, in the Town of Hume, enjoys a long and proud history in the 
State of New York. Celebrations surrounding the 150th Anniversary are 
planned for this coming May 27 to 29, 2000.
  Fillmore is, of course, named after the thirteenth President of the 
United States, Millard Fillmore, who in 1850 was responsible for the 
establishment of a Post Office in the then existing settlement. 
Coincidentally, in addition to this being the community's 
sesquicentennial, the year 2000 also marks the 200th anniversary of 
President Fillmore's birth.
  Born on what was then the ``frontier'', in the Finger Lakes region of 
New York, Millard Fillmore rose from serving on his family farm to 
serving in the U.S. House of Representatives,

[[Page E121]]

the New York State government, and finally as Vice President and 
President of the United States. In fact, Mr. Speaker, in this very 
building, in the Old House Chamber, there is a plaque marking the 
location of then-Congressman Fillmore's desk. The spirit of hard work 
and rugged dedication shown by President Fillmore throughout his life 
is certainly carried on by this small but vibrant community that bears 
his name.
  Fillmore's idyllic, pastoral setting in the Allegheny Mountain Range 
at the top of the Appalachian Region, makes it a beautiful natural 
local surrounded by attractions such as Letchworth State Park and the 
Swain Ski Resort. But the people of Fillmore make the community the 
success that it is today.
  The citizens of Fillmore are very proud of their community, and 
rightly so. For the past 150 years, Fillmore has contributed much to 
our region, state and nation. From the character and successes of its 
young people--both those who remain in Fillmore and those who have 
moved on to serve other communities around the nation--to many of its 
citizens who have fought and sacrificed their lives on the world's 
battlefields.
  One of Fillmore's greatest assets is their outstanding public school. 
Fillmore Central School, led by Superintendent Dave Hanks, is a shining 
example of rural public education at its finest--from its top notch 
instruction of subjects such as mathematics and social studies, to a 
firm commitment to technology, and the provision of creative outlets 
for for young people to participate in the arts through drama, visual 
arts, and music. As an added benefit, the mighty Fillmore Eagles have, 
on many occasions, brought great pride to the community by bringing 
home titles in sports such as basketball and tennis, and just last year 
made it to New York State's ``Final Four'' in soccer.
  Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize one of Fillmore's 
greatest public servants, Alton Sylor, who passed away recently after 
years of service to the community, particularly as a member of the 
Allegany County Legislature for the past twenty-two years. We miss him 
greatly, and will remember him most during this celebration of 
Fillmore's history--a history that he helped shape.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in extending our most hearty 
congratulations to Fillmore on the occasion of their 150th anniversary.

                          ____________________