[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in 1826, a small town on the western 
shore of Sebago Lake was incorporated and took the name that has roots 
in the Abenaki phrase sobagoo, or ``it is the sea.'' Today, it is an 
honor to join the people of Sebago, ME, in celebrating the 200th 
anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and 
raise families.
  Initially, Sebago was known as Flintstown, as a result of the 
Massachusetts General Court granting settlement in the area to the 
survivors of Captain John Flint's brigade of American Revolution 
soldiers. Shortly thereafter, the town was named Baldwin and saw an 
influx of lumberjacks and woodsmen drawn by the abundant forests. 
Despite difficult growing conditions, residents were successful in 
farming, and in establishing factories to produce lumber, boots, shoes, 
and barrel staves.
  As the town grew, so did trade and tourism. The Cumberland and Oxford 
Canal opened in 1832, tying together the Sebago Lake and Portland 
economies. Later, in the 1870s, the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad 
expanded the town's hospitality industry and encouraged steamboats to 
bring visitors to Sebago. What were once seasonal homes and inns 
evolved into year-round abodes that contribute to Sebago's image as a 
well-known resort area in southwestern Maine.
  Sebago is home to many examples of charming New England architecture 
on the National Register of Places. One of the most fascinating is the 
Dyke Mountain Annex. It was built between 1906 and 1908 and originally 
was part of the Dyke Mountain Hotel. While the rest of the resort would 
later be destroyed by fire, the annex functioned as a summer hostel and 
continues to be used as such by the present owners.
  Another example of Sebago's small-town beauty is Fitch's General 
Store and House. Built in 1870, it combined Italianate and Greek 
Revival architecture. In 1920, it opened as a general store, offering 
goods from groceries to hardware to gardening supplies. Although the 
building has been restored as a private residence, its legacy remains a 
pivotal part of the town's history.
  The rich history of Sebago resides not only in beautiful 
architecture, but also in honoring the tireless service of their 
veterans. Words chiseled in stone at the Sebago Veterans Memorial read, 
``Sebago Honors Her Men and Women Who Served in the Wars of Their 
Country.'' From the valiant service of Captain Flint and his troops in 
securing American's independence to the patriots of today, Sebago 
honors her people's history.
  The celebration of Sebago's 200th anniversary is not merely about the 
passage of time. It is about human accomplishment in the face of 
adversity. We celebrate the people of Sebago who stand together, work 
together, and have created community together for 200 years. Thank you 
to those who came before. Sebago, ME, could not continue to thrive 
without your sacrifice. Thank you to those there today. Your effort and 
dedication ensure Sebago has a bright future.

                          ____________________