[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 28, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S338-S339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, nestled among the rugged wilderness of 
the western Maine mountains, the town of Strong, ME, was incorporated 
on January 31, 1801. This 225th anniversary is a time to celebrate the 
spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community 
today.
  Strong's incorporation was but one milestone on a long journey of 
progress. For thousands of years, the abundant forests and waters of 
the region were the hunting grounds of the Native American Tribes. The 
very first house that laid the foundation for a permanent community was 
built in 1780 by a Wabanki known as Pierpole. Drawn by the rich natural 
resources, other settlers followed, and at the dawn of the 19th 
century, the town was established by Massachusetts Governor Caleb 
Strong.
  The rich soil supported prosperous farms and the fast-moving Sandy 
River powered lumber and grain mills. In the years that followed, 
Strong became a rural industrial powerhouse, including footwear, 
furniture, textiles, and Maine's first cheese factory. By the mid-20th 
century, the Forster Manufacturing Company was the world's largest 
maker of toothpicks, producing some 20 million per day.
  The townspeople used their prosperity to built what has been called 
``the prettiest village in Maine,'' with handsome homes, churches, and 
schools. Education remains a center of community life, with the high-
performing Strong Elementary School being named a National Blue Ribbon 
School.
  From the American Revolution to our time, Strong has always been a 
town of patriots, with a veterans memorial paying tribute to those who 
defend freedom. Among the most illustrious veterans is Lt. James 
Porter. After graduating from West Point in 1869, he served with the 
7th Cavalry in the Reconstruction Era South under George Armstrong 
Custer and distinguished himself by his courage during the mission the 
eradicate the Ku Klux Klan. In 1876, he was among the 268 members of 
the legendary regiment who fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
  In recent years, the townspeople have worked together to dedicate the 
Lance Corporal Scott B. Paul Memorial Park in honor of the young marine 
who fell

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in 1992 during the Gulf War. A section of the beautiful park, the Sgt. 
Richard Parker Memorial Wing, pays tribute to a local hero who made the 
ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007.
  Every summer, the town celebrates it history and community spirit 
with Pierpole Days, a festival of parades, food, music, and family fun. 
The 2026 festival will surely be a memorable celebration of the people 
who for more than two centuries have pulled together, cared for one 
another, and built a community. I congratulate the town of Strong, ME, 
on this landmark anniversary.

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