[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1107-E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING FRANK AND GRACE BARR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Frank and Grace Barr for their contributions to historic preservation 
and community service in northern New Jersey. This weekend, Frank and 
Grace Barr will be the recipients of the Hermitage Volunteer 
Appreciation Award of 2001. Their leadership in the development of the 
Hermitage is a remarkable achievement and I commend them for their 
efforts. The results of their dedication are felt not only at the 
Hermitage, but throughout our community. As community leaders for over 
thirty years, they are outstanding examples of the type of people who 
make Bergen County such a wonderful place.
  We take tremendous pride in the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. 
Built in 1740, the Hermitage was the home of Theodosia Prevost, who 
invited George Washington and his officers to stay at the estate after 
the Battle of Monmouth in July of 1778. One of Washington's officers, 
Aaron Burr, became a frequent visitor afterward and eventually proposed 
marriage to Theodosia. Attendees of the couple's wedding at the 
Hermitage included James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de 
Lafayette.
  After its noteworthy beginnings, the Hermitage was donated to the 
State of New Jersey and has been restored as a museum and National 
Historic Site through the work of the Friends of the Hermitage. It is 
through the continued dedication of people such as Frank and Grace Barr 
that we can continue to enjoy this treasure. Frank and Grace have been 
active supporters of the Friends of the Hermitage since 1976 and 
continue to pledge their time and effort to this landmark. It is an 
honor to recognize such a dedicated couple.
  Grace Barr served on the Board of Trustees for six years and is now a 
member of the Hermitage development committee. An active and

[[Page E1108]]

effective fund-raiser, Grace also co-chaired the Colonial Ball and the 
Friends of the Hermitage Cookbook, first printed in 1976. In addition 
to her work at the Hermitage, Grace has been an active member of the 
Ho-Ho-Kus Public School System for over twenty-six years.
  Frank Barr has been both a Trustee of the Valley Health System and 
Chairman of Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Valley Hospital 
has become a Hermitage Pioneer Corporation through its evolution into a 
major healthcare system. As a former Ho-Ho-Kus School Board President 
and trustee on various boards in the local community, Frank has played 
an integral role in the community. He has served as President of 
Fishers Island Development Corporation and was a Trustee of St. 
Lawrence University. He has also founded a non-profit affordable 
housing corporation in addition to his many other career achievements. 
These are truly phenomenal people.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in congratulating Grace and Frank Barr for all they have done 
for their community and for the outstanding example they set for all of 
us.

                          ____________________