[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16386]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD, VIRGINIA ON THEIR 250TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2002

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Town of 
Smithfield, Virginia on the marking of their 250th anniversary this 
year.
  Smithfield has a population of 6,584 and is approximately 10.1 square 
miles in size. Located on the banks of the Pagan River in Isle of Wight 
County, Smithfield, Virginia was incorporated in 1752 from land donated 
and surveyed by Arthur Smith IV. Smithfield offers residents a small-
town atmosphere, a great school system, affordable housing, and a 
beautiful historic downtown.
  While numerous Tidewater localities suffered during the Revolutionary 
War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War, Smithfield was spared the 
devastation. Since the Town's inception, Smithfield has worked hard to 
maintain its architectural heritage and small town charm.
  The rise of Smithfield is most often credited to its world famous ham 
industry. Know as the ``Ham Capital of the World,'' no visit to 
Smithfield can be considered complete without enjoying a quality ham.
  To mark the Town's anniversary, on September 28th, the residents of 
Smithfield will be making the largest ham biscuit in the world. The ham 
biscuit bill will be eight feet in diameter and large enough to feed 
1,752 people. I hope the Guinness Book of World Records will recognize 
the biscuit as the worlds largest ham biscuit.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the citizens of Smithfield, Virginia, as 
they celebrate the Town's 250th anniversary and wish them continued 
success and prosperity in the years to come. While rich in history and 
in the beauty if its surroundings, the greatest part of Smithfield is 
the people who live there. It is truly an honor and privilege to 
represent the people of the Town of Smithfield in the United States 
House of Representatives.

                          ____________________