[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 116 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   250TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUXTON, MAINE

  Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the 250th 
anniversary of the town of Buxton, ME. It is a great pleasure to 
celebrate the generations of industrious and caring people who have 
made Buxton a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.
  Named for the famous spa town in England, Buxton has a rich history. 
For thousands of years, the Saco River Valley was home to the Abenaki. 
In 1728, the Massachusetts General Court granted land to establish a 
settlement that was called Narragansett Number One. As the population 
grew, the town of Buxton was incorporated on July 14, 1772.
  The early settlers turned the dense forests and fertile soil into a 
thriving lumber industry and productive farms. With the Saco River 
providing power, sawmills and gristmills were built, followed by woolen 
mills, tanneries, churches, libraries, and flourishing retail stores.
  Education has been central to Buxton from the start. The first 
schoolmaster arrived in 1761, more than a decade before incorporation. 
Soon, 17 homes in town hosted one-room schools so that every youngster 
was within walking distance.
  Buxton's early prosperity as an industrial center produced many fine 
examples of New England architecture. Today, several homes, businesses, 
and the First Congregational Church are listed on the National Register 
of Historic Places.
  Also on the Register is the Buxton Powder House, built by the 
townspeople at a cost of $59 to store ammunition and arms during the 
War of 1812. Since then, the people of Buxton have joined together to 
erect monuments and memorials in tribute to the patriots who have 
defended freedom throughout our Nation's history.
  The spirit that built Buxton is evident today in many ways. Countless 
volunteers have come together to make the town's sestercentennial a 
memorable celebration. For nearly 30 years, townspeople have generously 
supported the Buxton Toy Box that helps bring holiday cheer to 
children. Buxton's active involvement on the Saco River Corridor 
Commission shows a commitment to protect the natural resources that are 
vital to the quality of life.
  Nothing better demonstrates the Buxton spirit than a special moment 
at this year's annual town meeting on June 18, when the townspeople 
honored Deputy Chief Gene Harmon of the Buxton Fire-Rescue Department 
for 60 years of dedicated service to his community and his neighbors.
  Buxton's 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate the people who 
pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. 
Thanks to those who came before, Buxton, ME, has a wonderful history. 
Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.

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