[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 96 (Friday, July 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOMERVILLE 
                      CARPENTERS' LOCAL UNION #455

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Somerville 
Carpenters' Local Union #455's 100th Anniversary. Over the last 
century, Carpenters' Local #455 has made significant contributions to 
our community by supplying skilled Craftsmen that have helped fuel the 
tremendous growth of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties.
  Carpenters Local Union #455 was founded in Somerville on January 24, 
1900 by Peter J. McGuire. Serving at the time as the Secretary 
Treasurer of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, he understood what 
was necessary to train first-rate, professional carpenters and ensure 
that they produced a top-notch, reliable product. With this knowledge, 
the Carpenters' Local #455 was established to provide training to its 
workers that would allow them to produce the excellent craftsmanship 
vital to the development of our communities.
  In the 100 years since its founding, the Carpenters' Local #455's 
trade and communities have experienced significant changes. Throughout 
these transitions, it has grown even stronger. It has remained firm in 
its commitment to providing the very best Craftsmen to build our 
communities and in its desire to ensure a fair wage for its hard 
working members.
  I am pleased to say that it has been successful in its goals. Without 
the expertise and reliability of its Craftsmen, the tremendous growth 
that Somerset and Hunterdon Counties have achieved in the last century 
would not have been possible. Be it the homes we live in or the 
buildings we work in, the importance of excellent craftsmanship cannot 
be overlooked. Thanks to the efforts of Carpenters' Local #455, the 
foundation of Central New Jersey's development has been a firm and 
secure one.
  The Somerville Carpenters Local Union #455 is a great asset to both 
Central New Jersey and our Nation. I urge all my colleagues to join me 
today in recognizing its dedication to Central New Jersey's development 
and workers.

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