[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF THE CITY OF HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Hoboken, 
New Jersey, on its sesquicentennial celebration. The people of Hoboken 
will be commemorating this event with a series of activities throughout 
the spring and summer. Last weekend, the community held its 150th 
Anniversary Parade on April 16, 2005.
  Located on the shore of the Hudson River, Hoboken is known for its 
lively atmosphere and rich history. The area was developed almost 
single-handedly by Colonel John Stevens, who bought the land for 
$90,000 in 1784. On March 28, 1855, it was incorporated as a city. The 
late nineteenth century brought a sharp increase in immigration due to 
Hoboken's proximity to Ellis Island and, by 1890, over 40 percent of 
the population was foreign-born. Hoboken developed and grew as a 
manufacturing hub with shipbuilding as the primary industry. The 20th 
century also brought the development of public transportation and the 
railroads, ferries, and Port Authority Trans-Hudson, PATH, Tube that 
transformed Hoboken into a bustling transportation center. The city 
piers soon became a focal point for trans-Atlantic commerce. More than 
three million Americans passed through Hoboken on their way to or from 
World War I. In the past few decades the shipyards have closed as 
Hoboken has transformed from an industrial area into an affluent 
neighborhood full of young professionals and known for its variety of 
restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
  The birthplace of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken also claims such famous 
citizens as photographer Dorothea Lange and painter Willem de Kooning. 
Additionally, it boasts many notable firsts, including the first ice 
cream cone, the first steamboat, the first locomotive, and the first 
brewery. Many also believe that the first organized baseball game was 
played on Hoboken's Elysian Fields in 1846.
  In order to commemorate its momentous sesquicentennial birthday, 
Hoboken has planned a wide variety of celebrations that will serve to 
honor the progress and development of the past 150 years. Some of these 
activities include the creation of a time capsule, the painting of a 
historical mural, an anniversary gala and fundraiser, an evening 
concert series, and a spaghetti dinner block party. Hoboken will also 
host a vintage baseball festival and an arts and music festival.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the city of Hoboken 
on its 150th anniversary. This momentous occasion allows us to reflect 
on the city's colorful past and look towards its promising future with 
hope and enthusiasm. I am proud to be a resident of this community, and 
I congratulate the people of Hoboken on making this city a wonderful 
place to call home.

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