[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE TOWN OF TRURO, MASSACHUSETTS ON ITS 300TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives can join me in congratulating the Town of 
Truro, Massachusetts on the 300th anniversary of its incorporation. 
Since its founding, Truro has enjoyed a reputation as a diverse and 
culturally rich town, whose welcoming residents and awe-inspiring 
landscapes are famous throughout New England.
  Truro's history harks back to November 1620, when the Pilgrims 
visited the area while their ship, the Mayflower, was anchored in what 
is now Provincetown Harbor. It was here that the Pilgrims found their 
first fresh water, and on Corn Hill, overlooking Cape Cod Bay, the 
voyagers found a cache of seed corn belonging to the natives which they 
stole to provide seed for their own spring crop. Determining that the 
land here was unsuitable for their purposes, the Pilgrims continued up 
the coast of the Cape to present-day Eastham and then ventured across 
the Bay to Plimoth.
  On July 16, 1709, the Town of Truro gained its independence. Formerly 
a part of Eastham, the nascent Town encompassed the district previously 
known as Pamet.
  During the Revolutionary War, Truro's militia demonstrated remarkable 
skill and bravery in keeping the British at bay. Once, the members 
marched in a circular formation behind a barrier dune to convey the 
impression that there was a large force assembled ready to defend the 
town. At the time, Provincetown Harbor was controlled by the British, 
and there was no protection for Truro save its own meager militia.
  Truro has a long and distinguished seafaring history, and at one time 
had a shipyard which produced large vessels in the Pamet River basin. 
Truro whalers sailing from other ports ventured as far as the Arctic 
and the Falkland Islands. Ultimately, the Town of Truro's intrepid and 
expert whalers helped spur an industry that became profitable and 
culturally significant throughout coastal New England.
  In fact, much of Truro's economy was once dependent on the sea. 
Truro's men were whalers, and the shipyard built large commercial 
vessels to sustain their activities. There were several try works in 
town to render the whale blubber into lamp oil, and salt works dotted 
the shores and hillsides, providing much-needed salt to preserve the 
catch. These industries--along with subsistence and commercial 
farming--have been replaced largely by the seasonal tourist industry 
that currently fuels the local economy.
  Today, slightly more than 2,100 residents call Truro home year-round. 
During the summer months, the tiny Town's population swells by an 
estimated 17,000 to 18,000 people anxious to experience the 
breathtaking scenery for which Truro is known. More than half of its 
landmass is within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Truro's beaches 
stretch unbroken between its borders, offering water access for 
swimming, fishing, and boating.
  The first lighthouse--what many consider an icon of Cape Cod--was 
built in Truro at Highland in 1797. At the time, the numerous shoals 
off the ``great backside'' claimed many ships as the prevailing winds 
and waves drove vessels to the shore. This original lighthouse was 
declared unsafe in 1857 and a new tower, still standing and still in-
use, was built to replace it.
  Truro, with its glorious sunsets; noisy, storm-surf-beaten beaches; 
tranquil, sunny berry-laden hills; deliciously refreshing fresh-water 
springs; adventuresome paths; and acres of protected National Seashore 
land, has been home or temporary haven to politicians, musicians, 
puppeteers, pirates, poets, and ordinary folks. Its people are hardy 
and resilient. Tradesmen and professionals, artists and writers, bards 
and photographers, fishermen and farmers, retirees and schoolchildren 
all contribute to the unique fabric of the Town's community. Some grew 
up here; many others have chosen this special place as their home.
  It is with pleasure and pride that I join Truro's residents on this 
auspicious day to celebrate all the achievements the Town has 
accomplished, and all those to come. Happy birthday, Truro. May the 
years ahead be ever prosperous and bright.

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