[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF CHATHAM

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very 
special occasion for the Borough of Chatham, New Jersey. Located in 
Morris County, the Borough is celebrating the 300th Anniversary of its 
establishment.
  Prior to the first colonial settlers arriving in the area in 1680, 
the Lenni-Lenape Indians helped create trails that would eventually 
lead Europeans to the area in 1680. In 1715, a land transaction gave 
1,200 acres to John Budd, a Philadelphia merchant who would farm the 
land. Just six years later, that same merchant owned all of the land of 
what today is the Borough of Chatham.
  In 1773, the name Chatham was given to the village in honor of 
William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham. During the Revolutionary War, 
Chatham played an instrumental role in the success of the Colonists. 
Not only did Chatham and surrounding towns help stop further westward 
British advancement, but it was also used to fool the enemy. General 
Washington constructed a full-scale base of operations including brick 
ovens large enough to appear to be able to bake 3,000 loaves of bread 
to feed the troops.
  What is seen as the most important event in Chatham's history 
occurred on September 14, 1837. This is when the first steam train of 
the Morris & Essex Railroad Company arrived in the Borough. This event 
improved both commerce and travel time to all towns along the line.
  On March 1, 1897, Chatham became the first New Jersey village to 
become incorporated as a borough. The improvements of electric lights, 
water and sewage plants, installation of gas lines, and even the 
beautification efforts can be attributed to the first council of the 
Borough and its first Mayor, Frederick H. Lum. The Borough has 
continued to grow and flourish.
  In 2005, Chatham was named ``One of the Top Ten Places to Live in the 
United States'' by Money Magazine. Chatham's rich history and patriotic 
residents make Chatham Borough an extraordinary community in our 
nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Chatham for its 300 year Anniversary of its establishment, and wish the 
Borough and its residents many more years of continued success and 
celebration.

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