[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CLINTON, NEW JERSEY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Lance) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th 
anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Clinton in Hunterdon 
County, New Jersey. Established as a separate municipality in 1865, 
Clinton has a rich history and is known for its natural beauty and 
sense of community.
  The 2010 Census counted the town's population at 2,719.
  As the recently deceased Clinton town historian and longtime mayor, 
Allie McGaheran, has written, the area was settled on the convergence 
of two rivers, the Spruce Run and the south branch of the Raritan, 
surrounded by excellent farmland, attracting English and German 
settlers. One of those settlers, David McKenny, built two mills 
directly across the river from each other.
  These treasured mills--the first dating to 1810--now the Red Mill 
Museum Village and the Hunterdon Museum of Art, were owned by Daniel 
Hunt, the namesake of the town's first moniker, Hunt's Mill. These 
mills have been the center of Clinton's economic and cultural life for 
two centuries.
  Later, mill owners John Taylor and John Bray championed renaming the 
town after DeWitt Clinton, the builder of the Erie Canal and Governor 
of New York.
  A limestone quarry, located immediately behind the Red Mill, brought 
another wave of settlers, including Irish immigrants crossing the ocean 
to establish a better life for themselves and their families in the new 
world.
  The present municipal building, a handsome Victorian structure, was 
the residence of John Leigh, a brick maker and farmer who served as the 
town's second mayor. The Lehigh Valley Railroad provided passenger and 
freight access, contributing greatly to the growth and wealth of the 
town in the 19th century.
  Clinton has a large historic district that is on the State and 
national historic registers. There are five historic sites: the two 
mills; the music hall that entertained generations of residents; the 
original Grandin Library, named for artist and philanthropist Elizabeth 
Grandin in the last century; and the quarry.
  The 150th anniversary of Clinton is being celebrated with parades, 
farmers' markets, art displays, performances, and other community 
events.
  I thank and congratulate Megan Jones-Holt for her work as chair of 
the 150th anniversary committee. She and her husband, former mayor and 
current Hunterdon County Freeholder Matt Holt, do so very much for the 
town civically.
  Clinton is governed by the town form of government, with a mayor and 
six council members. Mayor Janice Kovach and the governing body of the 
town are greatly involved in the yearlong festivities. Clinton is 
served by a dedicated volunteer fire company and rescue squad. Its 
beautiful and historic churches are an integral part of the community.
  The Clinton-Glen Gardner School District educates children through 
the eighth grade. High school students attend North Hunterdon High 
School in neighboring Clinton Township, one of our State's strongest 
public elementary and secondary schools. My twin brother, Jim, and I 
are proud graduates of the high school.
  My own family has been involved in the history of Clinton for many 
generations. My great uncle was president of the local bank, and my 
father practiced law in the town for 70 years.
  In his essay, ``The Inspiration of Clinton,'' Stephen Shoeman notes: 
``Everybody in Clinton smiles. Everybody is friendly. America is 
beautiful because of Clinton, New Jersey, and the other towns and 
villages just like it.''
  This year's celebration comes 1 year after the tricentennial of 
Hunterdon County, a yearlong retelling of Hunterdon County's storied 
founding and its 300-year journey in advancement from the English 
colonies in North America to its present-day status as one of America's 
premier places to live and work.
  Clinton's history is ingrained in the fabric of Hunterdon County. We 
have also just celebrated New Jersey's 350th anniversary.
  Public-spirited residents have worked to keep Clinton beautiful and 
the epitome of small-town American life. Their efforts maintain a 
charming and vibrant merchant district, excellent public schools, 
meaningful cultural events, and significant engagement in public 
affairs.
  The town of Clinton thrives on neighborly camaraderie. I am deeply 
honored to represent the town here in the House of Representatives. And 
all who love Clinton congratulate the town on its landmark celebration.

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