[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18915]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HINSDALE CELEBRATES ITS 250TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, today in honor of Hinsdale, NH. This 
great American community is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its 
founding, and I am proud to recognize this historic event.
  Over 4,000 people call themselves citizens of Hinsdale. From the 
town's incorporation in 1753 through today, they have made enormous 
contributions to not only New Hampshire's economic and cultural 
heritage but to our country's as well. Colonel Ebenezer Hinsdale, who 
many consider to be the founder of the town, was described as a ``man 
for all seasons.'' He was a missionary, a farmer, a soldier and a 
conservationist long before that term became commonplace. He built Fort 
Hinsdale and served in the French and Indian Wars. He truly was a man 
of action. It is therefore appropriate that this community bears his 
surname because successive generations of residents have continued to 
build upon the example he set. For example, Charles A. Dana, a Hinsdale 
native, served as the Assistant Secretary of War during the Civil War 
and later was the editor of the old New York Sun, one of the most 
prominent daily newspapers in its day. Another native, Jacob Estey, 
founded and manufactured the Estey Organ which was a must-have musical 
instrument in the late 1800's. William Haile became the first 
Republican Governor of New Hampshire in 1857 when the Republicans were 
still a fledgling party. Clearly, he must have possessed strong 
leadership qualities.
  In addition, Hinsdale can rightly claim to be the birthplace of the 
automobile. In 1875, George A. Long, then an apprentice in the Holman & 
Merriman machine shop, built and successfully demonstrated a steam car 
right in Hinsdale. The first test of his invention, which was described 
as a boiler set upon a carriage with regular wooden wheels, was 
scheduled to take place late one night that year to avoid 
embarrassment. Of course, news of the test leaked out and a curious 
crowd gathered to watch George Long's car run a few yards then stop. He 
made improvements in it and he, and his invention, soon became known 
for running horses and buggies right off the road. He later built a 
second steam auto with an advanced two-cylinder engine. This auto 
included adjustable seats for two, rubber tires, two speeds and front 
wheel brakes. Truly, George Long was a man ahead of his time.
  All of these people and their stories illustrate the rich heritage 
for which Hinsdale can rightly be proud. It is my honor to salute the 
citizens of this great community as they celebrate Hinsdale's 250th 
birthday.

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