[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              TOWN OF DUBLIN CELEBRATES 250TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of the great 
town of Dublin, New Hampshire. This year, as our Nation observes the 
226th anniversary of our independence, Dublin will celebrate the 250th 
anniversary of its founding. It is therefore timely and appropriate 
that we recognize this unique New Hampshire community.
  Dublin's rich history is closely entwined with that of our country's. 
Its first settler was William Thornton whose brother, Matthew Thornton, 
was a delegate to the Continental Congress and one of the signers of 
the Declaration of Independence. In fact, Matthew Thornton, although he 
never lived there, was one of the original proprietors of what was then 
called Monadnock No. 3 but soon became known as Dublin after the Irish 
city. Although the ``winds are often strong.'' as described in the 
official history of Dublin, the air ``is pure and bracing'' and the 
location proved to be ideal. By the year 1775, the town's population 
had rapidly increased to 305 people. Many came from the Colony of 
Massachusetts seeking greater economic opportunities and were 
undoubtably drawn by the area's natural beauty, dominated most notably 
by Mount Monadnock.
  As our country strived to build a government free of British control, 
so too did Dublin. In a tradition that continues to this day, the 
citizens elected Thomas Morse, Henry Strongman and Benjamin Mason to 
the Town's first Board of Selectmen. Of course, New Englanders, and New 
Hampshirites in particular, are known for their fierce independence. It 
is no surprise then that twenty-six Dublin residents fought in the 
American Revolution. At least four town residents were at the Battle of 
Bunker Hill--Jonathan Morse, Richard Gilchrist, Thomas Green and John 
Swan. Richard Gilchrist vividly demonstrated the ideals of courage and 
honor by carrying upon his back from the field of battle Thomas Green, 
who had been severely wounded in that fight. Jonathan Morse later 
served at the battles of Bennington, Ticonderoga and Monmouth. He was 
later described by a friend as being ``so humane and honest, so rough 
and ready that, had he lived to this time, he might have been President 
of the United States.'' I am sure that such a sentiment could describe 
many other past and present citizens of Dublin.
  To this day, Dublin continues to be a vibrant community with a 
population of over 1400 people. Dublin is home to Yankee Magazine, 
which wonderfully chronicles New England's culture, and the Old Farmers 
Almanac. As a side note, I would point out that since it was first 
published in 1792, the Almanac has never given an incorrect weather 
forecast. Because of how this town perfectly embodies this way of life, 
it became a well-known summer resort for artists and families from 
around the country. One of the most famous visitors was Mark Twain who 
spent the summers of 1905 and 1906 here. His love of the town was 
clearly evident. His response to a reporter's question that ``Dublin is 
the one place I have always longed for, but never knew existed in fact 
till now'' best captures the special feeling Dublin has on those who 
live there and those who simply pass through its borders.
  So, on this the 250th anniversary of Dublin, we salute its citizens 
and honor their accomplishments, their love of country and their 
overwhelming spirit of independence.

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