[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF MIDDLEPORT

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN LEE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. LEE of New York. Madam Speaker. It is with great pride that I 
rise today to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Village of 
Middleport, New York, a family-oriented community that nearly 2,000 
Niagara County residents call home. Located just 45 minutes from 
Buffalo and Niagara Falls, the Village of Middleport, rich in history, 
has rightfully earned its ``Friendly Community'' moniker. The slogan 
came from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who stopped in Middleport 
while traveling along the Erie Canal. FDR rightfully called Middleport 
``a friendly community.''
  Middleport's history is closely tied to the Erie Canal. Founded in 
1859, the Village quickly became a popular stopping place for workers 
on the historic waterway. Many residents can remember a time when 
dozens of barges would line the canal and workers would stop by the 
local mills, factories and businesses on a daily basis.
  The Village prides itself on being a family-centered hamlet. It is no 
surprise that in 2007 BusinessWeek Magazine named Middleport the best 
place to raise a child in New York State because it ``provides a good 
measure of all the things a child needs to grow and prosper.''
  The celebration of all these historic accomplishments wouldn't be 
possible without the dedication of trusted Village Historian Anna 
Wallace. For three decades, Anna has done an extraordinary job 
documenting Middleport's narrative. Her years of work in archiving the 
background of the Erie Canal and its role in the development of 
Middleport will be used for generations to come.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the Village 
of Middleport, I ask this Honorable Body to join me in honoring the 
Village of Middleport and their dedicated Village Historian Anna 
Wallace.

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