[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE BOROUGH OF CONSHOHOCKEN ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2000

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Borough of 
Conshohocken on its 150th anniversary. On May 15, 1850, William Fraeme 
Johnson, the Governor of Pennsylvania, signed the official 
incorporation papers making Conshohocken the third incorporated borough 
in Montgomery County. In 1850, Conshohocken began with only 727 
residents living in the area. Today, the borough is home to 9,000 
residents.
  Following World War I, the Federal Government recognized Conshohocken 
for its contribution to the war effort. In fact, the borough sent more 
men and women, per capita, off to war than any other American town. As 
a reward for their efforts, the U.S. Government built and named a 
merchant marine ship, the Conshohocken, after the borough. Conshohocken 
also contributed heavily to the World War II effort when one out of 
seven residents served in the Armed Forces.
  The Borough of Conshohocken is nationally recognized for its sports 
teams as well. Since their early professional basketball and football 
teams were crowned national champions, Conshohocken is recognized in 
both the National Basketball Association and the National Football 
League Halls of Fame.
  Conshohocken, which means ``Pleasant Valley,'' is also home to 
nationally recognized industries. In 1835, the Schuylkill Navigation 
Company built a canal through the area. This canal brought the iron 
industry to Conshohocken. Alan Wood Steel was formed when James Wood 
and his son, Alan, used the canal water to power furnaces and form a 
steel mill. By 1920, Alan Wood Steel was responsible for 8 percent of 
the country's steel production as it provided jobs for local residents.
  Conshohocken was the site of many industrial innovations. The former 
John Wood company invented the ``Arc'' weld, Conshohocken's Lee Tires 
invented the vulcanization of rubber and Hale Pumps led the industry in 
fire truck pump production.
  Conshohocken is part of a nationwide initiative to revitalize towns 
that were dominated by the coal, iron, or steel industries. Through 
this program Conshohocken has made a remarkable transition from an 
industrial town to one that fosters corporate development and programs.
  I am proud to represent such an extraordinary town like Conshohocken, 
PA. This sesquicentennial anniversary should serve as a long-standing 
tribute to hard work and dedication for all who have made Conshohocken 
the wonderful place it is.

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