[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING OLD FARM CHRISTMAS PLACE OF MAINE

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, December in Maine invokes the 
classic images of Christmas. The wonders of children sledding down 
snow-covered hills and small towns enveloped in December's darkness 
while illuminated by the glow of twinkling lights. One of the most 
memorable parts of any Christmas celebration revolves around the 
selection and decoration of the perfect tree. Today I rise to commend 
and recognize the Old Farm Christmas Place of Maine, a small business 
that allows families throughout the Nation to enjoy the tradition of 
selecting and cutting down their own Christmas tree.
  The Old Farm Christmas Place of Maine, located in the coastal town of 
Cape Elizabeth, opened in November of 2010. Jay Cox, the owner of Old 
Farm, purchased the historic Dyer-Hutchinson farmhouse in 2001. Built 
in 1790, the Old Farm stands as a testament to Maine's rich history and 
in 1997 was accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places. 
After substantial renovations to the historic property, Jay planted his 
first Christmas trees in the spring of 2004 on the 50-acre property. 
Finally, last year, with roughly 18,000 trees planted and 1,000 trees 
ready to be sold, Jay opened up his winter wonderland.
  This small business provides a unique tree-cutting venture and 
invites families to experience the joy of selecting the perfect tree. 
At Old Farm, this is a journey that begins with a wagon ride over the 
farmland onto the fields where families can explore acres of the 
beautiful farm until they find their ideal tree. Once this perfect tree 
is selected, they will assist you in cutting down the tree and loading 
it into your car or even delivering it to local areas throughout the 
State. Lastly, as Maine's winters can be frigid, families can finish 
the experience warming themselves by the fire inside the Old Farm store 
while sipping delectable cider and rich hot chocolate.
  Jay comes from a family of Christmas tree enthusiasts; his parents 
owned and operated Dun Roamin' Christmas Tree Farm in Cape Elizabeth 
for 25 years. That farm now makes wreaths which are sold at the Old 
Farm Christmas Place store. The storefront also carries several locally 
made Christmas decorations and ornaments to adorn households near and 
far, adding a new element to the traditional tree farm selection.
  As opening a small business is a daunting task, Jay Cox's dedication 
for nearly a decade to open a Christmas tree farm and storefront 
reminiscent of old times and tradition is truly inspiring. I am proud 
to extend my congratulations to everyone at the Old Farm Christmas 
Place of Maine for their tremendous efforts and offer my best wishes 
for continued success.

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