[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE BOROUGH OF DOWNINGTOWN ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2009

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a proud 
southeastern Pennsylvania community celebrating its 150th anniversary.
  The Borough of Downingtown was incorporated 1859 thanks to the 
foresight and leadership of 54 citizens and landowners residing on 
approximately 1,500 acres, which were part of a land grant from King 
Charles II of England to Pennsylvania's namesake, William Penn.
  Originally known as Milltown prior to the formal establishment of the 
Borough, the village was an important stop for merchants and others 
traveling between Philadelphia and Lancaster on our nation's first 
turnpike. Due to its proximity to Philadelphia, the Borough played a 
prominent role in our young nation's fight for independence by serving 
as a storage depot for General George Washington's Continental Army. 
Water from the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek powered paper mills 
and fueled industrial growth in the Borough well into the 20th Century. 
Although the mills have long since closed and might be considered 
relics of the past, the sturdy stone structures are being rehabilitated 
and viewed by elected officials and business leaders as an important 
part of the Borough's future.
  Residents, businesses and community leaders will commemorate the 
150th Anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2009 with a celebration parade 
through the Borough.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
Borough of Downingtown on reaching this amazing milestone and 
congratulating all of those whose tremendous community spirit that have 
made the Borough a special place to live, work and raise a family.

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