[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5082-S5083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING THOMPSON-MARKWARD HALL

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to honor the 125th 
Anniversary of Thompson-Markward Hall, which was formerly known as the 
Young Women's Christian Home. Many young women working as interns or 
beginning staffers, including many from my office throughout the years, 
have found a safe place to live and meet friends as they establish 
their professional careers. The Thompson-Markward Hall, located across 
from the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, provides a 
valuable service to young women working in Washington and our 
Congressional community. Its remarkable story is one very much worth 
sharing.
  In 1833, Mrs. Mary G. Wilkinson recognized the need in the District 
of Columbia for suitable lodging for young ladies of good character and 
meager means. She vowed that there should someday be a home for young 
women coming alone to Washington seeking employment, where they could 
be protected and cared for until they became established in the 
community. She began what developed into the Young Woman's Christian 
Home by housing two such young women in her home.
  In 1887, the Young Woman's Christian Home was chartered by Congress 
and incorporated ``to provide a temporary home for young women coming 
to and being in the District of Columbia, who shall, from any cause, be 
in want of and willing to accept temporary home, care and assistance . 
. .'' By 1890, the Home was receiving an annual appropriation of $1,000 
from Congress.
  Over the years, the Young Woman's Christian Home underwent 
renovations and changed locations. In 1931, Mrs. Flora Markward 
Thompson, a devoted Life Member of the Board of Trustees, passed away, 
leaving instructions for the executors of her estate to establish a 
suitable memorial to her mother and her husband. The executors decided 
that the most suitable memorial could be entrusted to the Young Woman's 
Christian Home. The Home then became known as Thompson-Markward Hall 
now most commonly known as TMH--to perpetually remember Mrs. Thompson's 
generous gift.
  Despite the many changes throughout the years, the original spirit 
and mission of the founders and early benefactors remain. Today, TMH 
continues to be a ``home away from home'' for 120 young women in 
Washington for work or school.
  As TMH celebrates the 125th anniversary of its Congressional charter, 
its roots are strong and the devotion to its founder's mission remains 
firm and constant. I ask the United States Senate to join me in 
congratulating Thompson-Markward Hall on this important 
milestone.

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