[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BOROUGH OF BUTLER CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to offer congratulations 
to the Borough of Butler, of Morris County, New Jersey, which 
celebrates its centennial anniversary today.
  Although known as Butler today, this community was originally called 
West Bloomingdale.
  Nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, West Bloomingdale 
was still a village until, in 1879, land speculators realized the 
economic opportunities that could come to this area along the banks of 
the Kakeout Brook and Pequannock River.
  The growth of the community is directly linked to the development of 
the rubber industry in the area. In fact, the community honored the 
president of the American Rubber Company, Richard Butler, by naming its 
post office after him in 1881.
  Through the efforts of Mr. Butler, the land was surveyed and the 
village streets were laid out. Mr. Butler also donated land for the 
early school and the churches within the community.
  As an industrial community, Butler experienced extensive growth, both 
economically and socially. Factories were built, the population grew, 
freight and passenger train service thrived.
  By an act of the New Jersey Legislature, Butler became incorporated 
on March 13, 1901.
  Prominent in the continued development of the borough was the 
American Hard Rubber Company and the Pequanoc Rubber Company, which 
employed over 1,000 people. The relatively stable employment picture of 
these two plants contributed to the economic welfare of the community.
  The Borough of Butler owned municipal services not possessed by many 
other towns of a like size in the country. The Butler Water Company and 
The Butler Electric Company have serviced Butler and surrounding 
communities since the early 1900's. In 1902 the Butler Volunteer Fire 
Department was formed. Law enforcement was handled under the Marshall 
system from 1901 until March 13, 1939 when the Butler Police Department 
was started. The borough has graciously funded the Butler Museum since 
1976 so that its history can be retained.
  A fire at the Pequanoc River Company in 1957 and the closure of the 
Amerace Corporation (American Hard Rubber Company) in 1974 brought an 
end to the heyday of the factories in Butler and the beginnings of the 
lovely town one sees today.
  Butler's Centennial Celebration has its 7,200 residents reminiscing 
about its rich history and it has them looking forward to retaining 
Butler's ``small town'' quality, which serves as an attraction for 
small business' and industries.
  The mayor and town council are beginning the next 100 years by 
revitalizing the borough with an attractive downtown area, by its 
continuing support of its schools, and by ongoing beautification 
programs for the borough park.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Borough of Butler on its 100th anniversary.

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