[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 145 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TELESCOPE CASUAL FURNITURE IN 
                          GRANVILLE, NEW YORK

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                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Telescope 
Casual Furniture on their 100th Anniversary in Granville, New York. For 
over a hundred years, Telescope Casual Furniture has thrived as a 
family business committed to Made in America manufacturing and 
community engagement.
  Henry Joseph William Vanderminden Sr. founded Telescope Cot Bed & 
Novelty Co. in 1903. Mr. Vanderminden began producing new cots and camp 
stools with telescoping legs, giving the company its trademark and 
name. Vanderminden was an incredible innovator and used the same 
contemporary mass production techniques as Ford Motor Co. to produce 
his furniture.
  In the early 20th century, Granville was facing an economic decline 
as the slate industry was slowing. Granville residents, concerned for 
the future of their home, founded the Granville Community Association 
to revitalize Granville's economic viability. The Granville Community 
Association recruited Vanderminden and persuaded him to move Telescope 
to Granville in 1921. Today, the partnership between Telescope and 
Granville remains vibrant.
  After nearly 120 years in business, Telescope continues to serve as a 
great example of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Upstate New 
York and the North Country and is a testimony of an incredible locally-
owned and family-owned business. Telescope Casual Furniture is a staple 
in the Granville community. From the iconic Telescope water tower to 
the company's decades long involvement with Granville Little League, 
Telescope Casual Furniture has left an indelible impact on the 
Granville community. As Granville's largest private employer, Telescope 
provides hundreds of high-skill jobs in New York's 21st District and 
produces high-quality products that are in demand across the country.
  The tremendous economic impact that Telescope Casual Furniture has 
had on Granville cannot be overstated, and I look forward to witnessing 
their continued success. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional 
District, it is my honor to celebrate the incredible impact Telescope 
Casual Furniture has had on the Granville community for the last 100 
years.

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