[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BICENTENNIAL OF WELD, MAINE

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 200th 
anniversary of Weld, ME, a small town set along Webb Lake in Franklin 
County. The town, with 419 inhabitants, has a long and proud history 
dating back to the 19th century, and I am pleased to join the people of 
Weld in celebrating their bicentennial and recognizing the town's 
cherished place in the State of Maine. The yearlong bicentennial 
celebration will kick off with an event on Saturday, February 6, at the 
newly renovated townhall.
  First settled in 1800, Weld was incorporated in 1816 and named for 
its proprietor Benjamin Weld, of the well-known Boston family. 
Incidentally, the year of Weld's incorporation also marked the 
notorious Year Without A Summer in New England, with 6 inches of snow 
blanketing the land in June. Widespread crop failures and other 
hardships pushed many westward, but the town of Weld prevailed, 
establishing itself as the small but strong community it remains today.
  Nestled in a valley created by Mount Blue and the Tumbledown 
Mountains, Weld has long been noted for its striking natural beauty. 
The area is rich with wildlife and home to many fish species, loons, 
moose, and even the occasional bald eagle. At the core of Weld's 
identity is Webb Lake, where many go to enjoy Maine's beloved outdoor 
traditions.
  The historic Kawanhee Inn, a rustic log inn that dates back to the 
1920's, has gained wide recognition for staying true to its origins and 
character. Along with Mount Blue State Park, Camp Kawanhee for Boys, 
and family cottages with deep historical roots, the inn attracts many 
visitors to Weld. In the summer months, the town's population swells to 
the thousands as people from Maine and all around the country flock to 
Weld to enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and a respite from fast-paced 
lifestyles.
  When the temperatures drop and campers and summer residents pack up 
to leave, there remains a close-knit and engaged year-round population. 
The Congregational Church, Masonic Lodge, and the Weld Historical 
Society are bolstered by active community involvement. Additionally, 
the Webb Lake Association is a nonprofit organization that spearheads 
conservation efforts and raises awareness about water pollutants in the 
lake. The Webb Lake Association is but one example of the townspeople's 
commitment to preserving the area's unsurpassed beauty.
  I commend all that the people of Weld have done to make their town 
such a special place to live and experience nature. Their shared love 
for their hometown has made them one of Maine's most cohesive and 
dedicated communities. This has been especially illustrated by the 
members of the Weld Bicentennial Committee, whose efforts have made 
this special celebration possible, and I am proud to recognize this 
milestone.

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