[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TELESCOPE CASUAL FURNITURE, INC.

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                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a historic 
institution in the 22d District of New York. Telescope Causal 
Furniture, Inc. creates ``telescoping'' furniture that has been used by 
the United States military and by families throughout the world since 
1903.
  Owned and managed by the third and fourth generations of the 
Vanderminden Family, this furniture manufacturing company began as the 
Telescope Cot Bed Co. Known for its product line of cots and campstools 
featuring ``telescoping'' legs, the United States government awarded 
Telescope a medal of distinguished service for its military products 
used during both World Wars and the Korean conflict.
  After moving to Granville, New York, in 1921 from Telescope, 
Pennsylvania, the company expanded its product line to beach, folding, 
and public seating chairs. It even created a Hollywood hit, the 
Director Chair, in 1953. The Illinois Institute of Technology has since 
named the chair number 46 in its ``100 best designed items of modern 
times.''
  Manufacturing not only for the U.S. military, Telescope has also been 
the favorite of First Families. President John F. Kennedy was often 
photographed in his Telescope Bentwood Slat Rocker and several first 
ladies have incorporated Telescope furniture in their home 
redecorating.
  Mr. Speaker, Telescope Casual Furniture, Inc. proudly operates and 
serves in the community of Granville, New York. The company employs 
more than 250 skilled crafters in its one million square-foot plant. 
Telescope is proud to live and work in the Granville area and is 
dedicated to continue contributing to the growth and prosperity of the 
town and county.
  Mr. Speaker, as a proud resident of the 22d Congressional district of 
New York, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 100th 
Anniversary of Telescope Casual Furniture, Inc. for a century of 
dedication to the town of Granville, the State of New York, and the 
great nation in which we live.

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