[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 23 (Monday, March 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 6, 2000

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to congratulate the township 
of Cheltenham on its 100th anniversary. On March 5, 1900 the first 
Board of Commissioners of the newly incorporated Cheltenham Township 
met and formed what has become a model township government in 
Montgomery County.
  The township of Cheltenham has many achievements of which to be 
proud. Cheltenham's roots extend to the 1600s when Quakers settled the 
area just outside Philadelphia. The settlers primarily farmed the land, 
with several mills dotting the landscape as well. The 1850s brought 
rapid change to Cheltenham with the advent of the railroad. 
Philadelphians soon began settling in the township and commuting to 
Philadelphia.
  Cheltenham can take pride in its municipal works. Not only did the 
township institute fire hydrants and streetlights as early as 1901, but 
also established a police force, a Board of Health, a garbage 
collection system, and a sewer system. The township set aside parkland 
and encouraged the formation of the Cheltenham Township Fire Department 
from a conglomeration of volunteer fire companies. Cheltenham's police 
force won recognition for innovation crime solving techniques and use 
of technology in 1916. This innovative and vision has continued ever 
since and Cheltenham remains one of the most progressive townships in 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  I am proud to represent such an extraordinary town. This anniversary 
should serve as a long-standing tribute to the hard work and dedication 
for all who have made the Cheltenham Township the wonderful place it 
is.

                          ____________________