[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of 
Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, New York, which is part of the 22nd 
Congressional District that I proudly serve. This year marks the 150th 
Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Poughkeepsie. I am 
pleased to recognize the City of Poughkeepsie and the important 
contributions it has made to Dutchess County and to the State of New 
York.
  Located along the banks of the majestic Hudson River, the City of 
Poughkeepsie is situated in the heart of Dutchess County. European 
settlers chose the site because it was surrounded by unbroken and 
abundant waterways. These waterways provided the early settlers with 
the source of energy needed to power their water wheels and mills, 
beginning a long tradition of economic ingenuity that the City of 
Poughkeepsie continues to demonstrate today.
  Poughkeepsie was the first seat of county government and, during the 
American Revolution, General George Clinton mobilized the Continental 
Army activities from the city. Spared from battle during the war, 
Poughkeepsie became the second capital city of New York State in 1777. 
In 1788 the Ratification Convention for New York State, including 
Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, assembled at the courthouse, debated, 
and ratified the New York version of the Bill of Rights to be included 
in the Constitution.
  Poughkeepsie has been home to many milestones over time, including 
the publication of the first newspaper in New York State which, by 
1791, became the Poughkeepsie Journal that is still being read today. 
Poughkeepsie was also home to the introduction of the magnetic 
telegraph in 1846. By the 1850's manufacturing had become the city's 
staple, providing employment at businesses such as the Poughkeepsie 
Glass Works, Poughkeepsie Iron Works, and J.O. Whitehouse Boot and Shoe 
Factory. Poughkeepsie was home to Governor George Clinton's 
recommendation that ``an act for the encouragement of schools'' be 
passed, leading to the idea of public funding of education in New York 
State. In subsequent years the city became known as a stanchion for the 
promotion of education, and was home to numerous learning institutions 
such as the Eastman Business College and Riverview Military Academy.
  In 1854 Governor Myron Clark signed the papers making the 
incorporation of the City of Poughkeepsie official. Since the late 
nineteenth century, Poughkeepsie has grown by leaps and bounds. 
Manufacturing jobs at companies like Fiat Motors and Western Publishing 
have driven economic growth. The construction industry completed such 
notable projects as the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the Poughkeepsie Railroad 
Bridge and, under the direction of the Works Progress Administration, 
the U.S. Post Office. Cultural and social initiatives such as John 
Collingwood's Bardavon Opera House and Vassar Brother Hospital are 
still icons in the City of Poughkeepsie.
  Cities like Poughkeepsie are an essential component of our nation's 
past, present, and future, and deserve to be honored and recognized for 
their numerous contributions to our states and country. Mr. Speaker, it 
gives me great pleasure to recognize the City of Poughkeepsie, New York 
as it celebrates the 150th Anniversary of its incorporation.

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