[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING PENOBSCOT BAY PORCH SWINGS

 Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, today I congratulate Penobscot Bay 
Porch Swings of Brunswick, a woman-owned company dedicated to reviving 
the tradition of porch swings in my home State of Maine.
  Inspired by the old-fashioned hammock swings she saw along the Maine 
coast while on a field trip with her daughter, Sarah Bloy began 
creating the prototype for what would become the widely popular 
Penobscot Bay Porch Swing. After 4 years of planning and a trip to the 
Marine Canvas Training Institute, Ms. Bloy commenced production of her 
porch swings in January 2005. Each swing, which takes between 8 and 10 
hours to make, is delicately produced in a studio workshop at 
Brunswick's Fort Andross by Ms. Bloy with the assistance of her 
dedicated employee.
  Penobscot Bay Porch Swings is a successful small business due to Ms. 
Bloy's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. Her company's hand-made 
porch swings are similar to those fashionable at the turn of the 20th 
century in Maine and New England, illiciting nostalgia for some and 
amazement for many others. Penobscot Bay Porch Swings offers an 
assortment of styles that were named to celebrate Maine's coastal 
heritage. The Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Camden are some of the 
swing styles available. Moreover, the swings' vibrant colors provide a 
contemporary look to a time-tested design. Choosing between colors, 
such as Capri blue and Tuscan orange, Jockey red and Seville Seaside 
stripes, customers have many bright and welcoming options for the color 
of their swing. And each hammock swing is carefully crafted with mildew 
resistant Sunbrella fabric to temper the tough elements of New 
England's climate.
  Ms. Bloy has also created the inventive Castine Cradle, a swing-like 
crib especially designed for babies and infants. Along with the swings 
and cradles, Ms. Bloy also constructs a plethora of brilliant pillows 
to coordinate with her swings, in even more creative colors like 
Beachfront Balsam and Sandrine Sunset. Her sights are set on expanding 
her business, with the hopes of designing new and more creative 
products for her clientele to enjoy for seasons to come.
  Porch swings and hammocks have long been a staple of east coast life, 
and Ms. Bloy's expertly crafted swings will help to revitalize interest 
in this outstanding tradition. Penobscot Bay Porch exemplifies what a 
small business can accomplish with a pioneering and talented Mainer, 
such as Sarah Bloy, at the helm. Penobscot Bay Porch Swings has built a 
reputation of meticulous craftsmanship and durability, and I wish Sarah 
and everyone at Penobscot Bay Porch Swings the best of luck as they 
continue to thrive and expand.

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