[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 107 (Thursday, June 22, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE TOWN OF CONWAY, MASSACHUSETTS

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2017

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize 
the town of Conway, Massachusetts as they celebrate their 250th 
anniversary. Since its establishment in 1767, Conway has continued to 
flourish as a rich agricultural community located in the foothills of 
the Berkshire Mountains.
  The town of Conway was first established as the southwest portion of 
the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. After the end of the French and 
Indian Wars, the area was divided and the town Conway was official 
established in 1767. Named after General Henry Seymour Conway, a leader 
in the British House of Commons, the town was known for its sheep 
farming along with other agricultural pursuits. The first settlers of 
Conway were able to build gristmills and sawmills to harness the power 
of the many waterways that flowed through the town. As the Industrial 
Revolution began in the United States, Conway was no exception to the 
rise of the manufacturing industry. Factories began to emerge in Conway 
along the South River, where power could be readily accessible from the 
mills. Everything from textiles and hats, to washing machines and 
furniture were manufactured in these factories. As Conway transitioned 
into the 20th century, their manufacturing industry began to suffer as 
a result of the high cost of transporting goods from the town. The town 
has transitioned back to a farming community and the remnants of the 
old factory buildings serve as reminders of the town's history.
  Today, Conway is a quiet, beautiful town with much to offer. 
Bardwell's Ferry Bridge still stands as a treasured historical 
landmark, stretching across the Deerfield River and connecting Conway 
to the nearby town of Shelburne Falls. Every fall, the annual Festival 
of the Hills serves as a way for the community to come together to 
celebrate the town's long and distinguished history. The events of the 
festival include a pancake breakfast, live music, as well as various 
family activities. All the proceeds raised from the festival go towards 
scholarships for local high school students, as a way for the town to 
continue its legacy as a hardworking community dedicated to supporting 
its citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, the town of Conway is an important piece in 
Massachusetts history and I am honored to represent it. I wish them all 
the best as the town continues to preserve their rich history and 
community involvement that has been the legacy of Conway for these past 
250 years.

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