[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUTTON, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
time to recognize the town of Sutton, MA on the occasion of its 300th 
anniversary. I am honored to represent Sutton and to have had the 
opportunity to help it celebrate this important milestone by 
participating in the Anniversary Parade on September 12, 2004.
  Located in the beautiful Blackstone River Valley in central 
Massachusetts, it retains the rolling farmlands and wooded hills for 
which it has long been known, which it is committed to preserving as 
part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The 
Heritage Corridor and the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, also 
located in Sutton, offer visitors a way to explore the natural beauty 
of Massachusetts.
  Sutton's rich history began when the town was chartered in 1704. It 
was first settled in 1716 by the intrepid families of Benjamin Marsh, 
Elisha Johnson and Nathaniel Johnson, who braved the harsh winter of 
1716-1717 in log cabins, which were sometimes entirely covered by the 
deep snows. These three families laid the groundwork for what is now a 
thriving community of more than eight thousand.
  Today, tourists who come to the five villages of Sutton can visit the 
Eight Lots Schoolhouse, built in the 1780s, see blacksmithing 
demonstrations in the M.M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop, and enjoy local 
candies and produce. They can also explore the history of the region 
through a trip to the Sutton Museum.
  The rich culture and history of Sutton make it a wonderful addition 
to any region, and I am proud to represent it in the United States 
Congress. Once again, I would like to congratulate the town on its 
300th anniversary and to say job well done to all the organizers who 
made the commemoration of this momentous occasion such a great success.

                          ____________________