[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF LONG BRANCH'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I have the 
opportunity to recognize the city of Long Branch in honor of their 
centennial celebration of incorporation. In 1903, Long Branch was 
formally incorporated as a city, but its rich history predates this 
initial incorporation, and dates as far back as 1498, when Long Branch 
was first explored by John Cabot.
  The land, which makes up current day Long Branch, was claimed by 
Henry Hudson in 1664, and then purchased from the Native American Leni 
Lenape tribe in 1668 by European settlers seeking religious freedom. 
The newcomers named the settlement ``Long Branch'' after the long 
branch of the Shrewsbury River that is located at the northern end of 
the city.
  Much like their Native American neighbors, the first settlers created 
a self-sustaining community that relied on hunting, gathering, and 
fishing to survive. Those hardy people (as well as the town they 
resided in) existed in relative isolation until the 19th century, which 
is when Long Branch entered its ``Golden Age.'' During that period, 
commerce in the American northeast grew, and the Long Branch area began 
to expand rapidly. Due to the town's proximity to the coast, and the 
natural beauty of the region, leaders in finance, theatre, politics, 
and the military flocked to Long Branch by the hundreds to enjoy the 
area's treasures. Individuals from New York, Philadelphia, and 
Washington D.C. made Long Branch the premier vacation destination. At 
the height of its Golden Age, Long Branch became the most glamorous 
summer resort location of the Northeast. Among the notable visitors 
were General Winfield Scott, actor ``Buffalo'' Bill Cody, and writers 
such as Bret Harte and Robert Louis Stevenson.
  Most importantly, Long Branch became the nation's summer capital. 
Several United States Presidents summered in Long Branch. Among them 
were Chester A. Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, William 
McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and Ulysses S. Grant, who visited the area 
every summer during his Presidency and many summers thereafter. 
President James A. Garfield, after he was mortally wounded by an 
assassin's bullet, left Washington D.C. for Long Branch to recuperate 
from his wounds. Unfortunately he died shortly thereafter, in the 
Elberon section of the city.
  Long Branch began experiencing major changes in the early 1920's, 
after gambling was outlawed and other cities began competing for 
tourism. It became a city of permanent residents with a business and 
manufacturing center. Long Branch continues to be a city of changes. 
The beachfront that had lured (and still lures) many tourists is being 
redeveloped. More small businesses are coming into town and expanding 
operations. Many of the homes of the Golden Age of Long Branch are 
being restored as a tribute to the beauty and history of the region. 
The city is more conscious of its historic sites, but also of the 
various ethnic groups, religious and cultural organizations that have 
created the melting pot that is today's Long Branch.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my fellow colleagues to acknowledge 
the City of Long Branch for its one-hundredth anniversary of 
incorporation, and join me in wishing the city many more years of rich 
history and prosperity.

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