[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2003

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mount 
Vernon, which officially started as a village in 1853 made up from five 
farms, but grew into perhaps the most densely populated city in the 
State of New York.
  It started as a fulfillment of that most typical of American dreams: 
home ownership. John Stevens, a merchant tailor from New York City, 
formed the Industrial Home Association to become the Village of Mount 
Vernon. When the IHA membership reached 1,000 dues payers, 1,017 to be 
exact, they bought the land of five farms consisting of some 369 acres 
at about $205 dollars an acre.
  Originally a part of the Town of Eastchester, the Village of Mount 
Vernon grew over the next four decades and in 1892 was chartered under 
the laws of the State of New York as an incorporated city.
  It grew by welcoming Baptists, Methodists, Dutch Reformed, and 
Catholic groups, as well as any others willing to settle there and 
contribute to the community. It has become a thriving community growing 
and flourishing in the shadow of New York City.
  John Stevens helped to initiate the dream that Mount Vernon has 
become and one that will continue to develop and prosper through the 
industry and vision of the people who inhabit this charming and 
wonderful city.

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