[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 164 (Monday, October 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E933-E934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING HICKORY FARMS ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 6, 2025

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of Hickory Farms.
  Established in 1975, Hickory Farms is a community made up of 198 
single-family homes in the Braddock District. Fairfax County is full of 
history, and this community's history has been well documented by local 
historians, including resident Robert Cosgriff. Through research, 
Cosgriff found that Hickory Farms is situated on a piece of land that 
some scholars believe is the largest private land holding in history. 
In 1672, Charles II of England granted proprietary rights to 
approximately 5 million acres to Henry Earl of Arlington and Thomas 
Lord Culpeper, Baron of Thorsway, for their support of Charles' claim 
to the throne during the period of the Commonwealth under Cromwell. The 
rights to the property were passed through descendants, and the first 
owner to reside on the 21,996-acre estate, the largest single land 
holding in what is now Fairfax County, was William Fitzhugh. The estate 
was named ``Ravensworth'' after an ancestral home in England. Their 
property was approximately nine percent of the total area of Fairfax 
County, and included the land now known as Hickory Farms.
  Fairfax County contains over 1,500 homeowners' and condominium 
associations, each one performing similar functions for residents, but 
some associations, like Hickory Farms Community Association (HFCA), go 
above and beyond for their members. While much of HFCA's functions are 
standard, such as ensuring owners maintain their properties and 
ensuring the common areas are maintained, they also make a conscious 
effort to encourage a deep sense of community within Hickory Farms.
  This sense of community starts right when new homeowners or tenants 
move into the neighborhood. HFCA's Welcome Wagon Representatives 
welcome new residents, hand them a welcome packet, and collect contact 
information to make sure they are able to take full advantage of 
everything HFCA has to offer. Throughout the year, residents can gather 
with their neighbors for social events like children's parades, 
Halloween parties, summer kickoffs, and more. Many of these events take 
place throughout the large common areas within Hickory Farms. The 
common areas comprise over 20 acres of wooded land and open areas, 
including a number of maintained walking trails.
  It takes countless volunteers to maintain the common areas, greet new 
neighbors, put on social events, and support the necessary functions of 
the HOA. Not only does Hickory Farms recognize people's contributions 
in the monthly newsletter, but a number of active volunteers have been 
recognized on an even

[[Page E934]]

larger level. I include in the Record the following volunteers:

       Braddock District Citizen of the Year: Robert Cosgriff 
     (1997) and Bob and Lee Sottile (2002)
       Braddock District Neighborhood Enhancement Award: Melissa 
     and Jarrett Stark (2019)
       Braddock District Civic Engagement Award: Robert Cosgriff 
     (2024)
       Lord Fairfax (Braddock District): Robert Mullin Jr. (1990) 
     and Robert Cosgriff (2021)
       Lady Fairfax (Braddock District): Pamela Barrett (2009)

  In addition to these individual recognitions, HFCA has received a 
number of awards as a community because of their environmental and 
conservation efforts. HFCA earned the Fairfax County Environmental 
Excellence Award in 2002 and 2024, as well as earning the ``Friends of 
the Trees'' Award in 2021. These awards are a testament to the 
dedication of the Hickory Farms residents and the commitment of the 
HFCA to uphold high environmental standards for their community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me, in congratulating 
Hickory Farms on its 50th anniversary. For five decades, residents have 
enjoyed the best of what Fairfax County has to offer because of the 
tireless work of the HFCA. This community is a prime example of why 
this county is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. 
Cheers to another 50 years.

                          ____________________