[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E156-E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING SPECTOR FURNITURE AS THEY MARK THEIR 130TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2020

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and community leaders who have 
gathered today and extend my very best wishes to Howard and Ken Kreiger 
as they mark the 130th Anniversary of their iconic Main Street store, 
Spector Furniture. Family owned and operated since its doors opened in 
1890, Spector Furniture is a cornerstone of the community of Ansonia, 
Connecticut.
  One hundred-thirty years of Spector Furniture is an impressive 
achievement. As old as the City of Ansonia itself, it is the oldest 
furniture store in Connecticut and a testament to the honored 
traditions of Yankee craftsmanship as well as entrepreneurial spirit. 
Simon Spector opened the business and it has been passed down 
generation to generation--from Simon to George Spector, then Lawrence 
Winer, followed by David Kreiger, and now Howie and Ken--with each 
facing their own challenges to survival. Spector Furniture has 
weathered World War I, Prohibition, the Great Depression, the 
devastating Flood of 1955, de-industrialization, stagflation, NAFTA, 
and the rise of Made in China. Through it all, and all of the changes 
that have taken place in the

[[Page E157]]

American economy, the Connecticut economy, and the economy of the 
Valley, Spector Furniture has stood tall.
  I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our 
nation's economy. For one hundred-thirty years, Spector Furniture has 
been a fixture in Ansonia and throughout its history, has been a 
testament to the impact small businesses can have on a community. Even 
as the store has grown and expanded over the years, their vision and 
commitment to innovation and quality service has never wavered. It is 
small businesses like Spector Furniture, that forge the strongest bonds 
of our communities.
  I am honored to take this moment and stand to recognize the 
innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Simon Spector and the 
generations of his family who have not only made Spector Furniture a 
success, but, more importantly, have ensured that its success has 
bolstered the Ansonia community as a whole. To Howard, Ken and the 
entire family--my heartfelt congratulations on this incredible 
milestone. I have no doubt that Spector Furniture will continue in its 
success for many years to come. One hundred (Cent' Anni).