[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5931-S5932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  250TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW GLOUCESTER

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on Saturday, September 7, I was pleased 
to

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join the people of New Gloucester, ME, in celebration of the town's 
250th anniversary. It is an honor to recognize this milestone for a 
town with such a storied and compelling history.
  Nestled in the northern part of Cumberland County, New Gloucester was 
first settled in 1739 under a Massachusetts Bay Colony grant by 60 
inhabitants from Gloucester, MA. These early settlers built a small 
establishment above North Yarmouth where they enjoyed bountiful fishing 
from the Westcustogo River, today known as the Royal River, which 
originates at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. Named in honor of 
their hometown, the early settlers hoped New Gloucester would be to 
them what Gloucester had been to their parents: a place of opportunity 
and prosperity.
  Conditions on the early northeastern frontier were not always easy, 
and the settlement had to be abandoned for nearly a decade amid the 
tumult of the French and Indian War. Ultimately, however, the 
resilience and determination of those who would make New Gloucester 
their home won out. Settlers returned in 1754 and erected a blockhouse 
within a large palisade which protected and housed 12 families until it 
became safe to build individual homes, with the town rapidly growing 
into the friendly, tight-knit community locals know today.
  New Gloucester boasts abundant natural beauty with its idyllic 
countryside and rolling hills, which have been tilled by hard-working 
farmers for generations. Today, it is home to Pineland Farms, one of 
Maine's largest food producers and best-known brands, as well as many 
family-owned farms who continue the work of their families going back 
generations.
  The town is also unique for its rich cultural and religious heritage. 
The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, which sits at the western end of 
the town, is home to the last active Shaker community in the world. The 
village contains a barn, library, and museum which share knowledge of 
the Shaker's way of life and contain artifacts and heirlooms telling 
the group's story. It remains an important center for the community, 
hosting events year-round that include tributes to the history of the 
native Wabanaki population, harvest festivals, and much more.
  I joined hundreds of townspeople and many more from across the State 
for a parade and fair held in commemoration of the town's anniversary. 
The fair featured over 60 community groups, crafters, and vendors, 
multiple historic displays, and live music. I so enjoy celebrating 
Maine's rich history, and Saturday's events were a wonderful example of 
what unifies the wonderful communities across our State.
  New Gloucester's 250th anniversary is a time to honor the great 
people who have made the town such a beautiful and welcoming place to 
call home. It is my pleasure to offer congratulations and best wishes 
to them for this very special milestone.

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