[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 172 (Thursday, November 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1101-E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING GOUVERNEUR TOWN LEADER ELDON B. CONKLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember 
Gouverneur community leader, Eldon B. Conklin. Eldon served the 
Gouverneur community for decades as an elected official and an 
innovative business owner.
  Eldon was born on November 21, 1929 in the town of DeKalb and 
attended Osbornville Country School on Rock Island Road. At the age of 
18, Eldon was working as a truck driver for John Austin Trucking in 
Richville, New York until he joined the United States Marine Corps in 
1951. After serving his country and

[[Page E1102]]

receiving an honorable discharge, Eldon returned to trucking, hauling 
milk, horses, and other heavy equipment.
  In 1969, Eldon married Eloise Tibbits at the Gouverneur United 
Methodist Church. Together, they purchased Van Ornum Furniture on Main 
Street in Gouverneur, which they owned and operated until it was sold 
in 1998. In 1985, Eldon became interested in serving his local 
community and served as Village Trustee, Mayor, and finally Town 
Councilman. He served as Councilman from 2003 until his passing. 
Additionally, Eldon was the Town Chairman of the Gouverneur Republican 
Town Committee. Because of his tremendous work in this position and his 
unyielding commitment to the North Country, the St. Lawrence Republican 
County Committee presented him with the prestigious Betsy Kaplan Award 
in 2017.
  Eldon dedicated his storied career to serving the Gouverneur 
community in many capacities. Eldon co-owned many other Gouverneur 
businesses, including the Gralyn Theater, Gouverneur Bowl, and Antique 
Emporium. He also was a member of the Greater Gouverneur Chamber of 
Commerce and became an honorary lifetime member in 2017. Throughout his 
tenure in public service, Eldon worked tirelessly to improve the 
quality of life for residents of Gouverneur. Eldon was instrumental in 
several projects, including by being a vocal advocate for the recently 
completed Gouverneur Community Center.
  Eldon's commitment to serving his community should serve as 
inspiration to all. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional 
District, I am honored to recognize Eldon's exceptional leadership and 
remember his enduring contributions to the Gouverneur community.

                          ____________________