[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     EASTCHESTER 350TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2014

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, our young nation includes many communities 
that are older than America itself. I am pleased to recognize one of 
those communities, the Town of Eastchester, as it celebrates its 350th 
Anniversary.
  Eastchester is truly a town steeped in history. A number of America's 
famed daughters and sons have a connection to Eastchester, including 
Anne Hutchinson, Aaron Burr, and John Adams.
  Eastchester's origins can be traced back to Thomas Pell, who sold his 
land to original ten farm families migrated from Fairfield, 
Connecticut, in 1664. The Pell Deed, signed on June 24, of that year, 
verifies the sale and serves as proof of the Town's founding.
  The Eastchester Covenant, signed in 1665, outlines a civil code of 
conduct agreed upon by the first families. The spirit of their Covenant 
lives today; neighbors help neighbors, friends show their concern for 
others, and volunteers work together to ensure the community continues 
to thrive.
  Governor Richard Nicolls, acting as the colonial agent on behalf of 
James, Duke of York, signed the Royal Patent, or Land Grant, of 1666, 
which established the initial town boundaries. Three of the original 
ten farmers--Philip Pinckney, James Everts and William Haiden--were 
named in this document.
  Two other documents--the Indian Deed of 1700 and the Long Reach 
Patent of 1708--enabled the fledgling community to continue to grow. 
The Long Reach Patent, in particular, transferred over 3,000 acres of 
land to Eastchester from Queen Anne. Much of that land is included 
within the borders of modern Eastchester.
  Eastchester is now a thriving, suburban community nestled within 
Westchester County. Residents of Eastchester, along with the 
incorporated Villages of Tuckahoe and Bronxville, are celebrating the 
Town's founding with a year-long celebration honoring Eastchester's 
storied past.
  It is my hope that residents will commemorate the Town of 
Eastchester's 350 year anniversary with much friendship and joy, as 
they work together to build an even stronger future.
  It has been a pleasure to represent this historic Town in Congress.

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