[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20181]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                WINCHESTER CELEBRATES ITS 250TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of Winchester, 
New Hampshire. 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 Winchester. From the 
town's incorporation in 1753 through today, they have had an enormous 
impact on the economic and cultural development of not only New 
Hampshire but our country as well. Winchester has long been a center 
for commerce and manufacturing. Companies like the Ashuelot 
Manufacturing Corporation, Thayer & Turner's Woolen Mill and Robertson 
Brothers' Paper Mill were early leaders in powering the expansion of 
the United States. The A.C. Lawrence Leather Company is another notable 
example of this proud heritage. It made thousands of boots and shoes 
which our troops needed during World War II. I know there are many 
residents still living in town who used to work at A.C. Lawrence at 
this time and I want to thank them for the vital contributions they 
made to supporting our troops during that conflict.
  The town's people have made significant contributions to the security 
of our country in many other ways. Colonel Samuel Ashley commanded a 
regiment of soldiers in the American Revolution. Major General Leonard 
Wood, another Winchester native, became Chief of Staff for the Army 
just prior to the start of World War I. He was one of the first men to 
see the war in Europe as a challenge to the American military 
establishment. In response, he led a crusade for a larger and better 
prepared armed force. This effort involved an intensive speaking tour 
throughout the United States and the launching of summer training camps 
for college students in Pennsylvania, Vermont, North Carolina and 
Michigan. One can certainly conclude that our victory in World War I 
was possible in large part because of General Wood's vision.
  This town has also played an important role in the political history 
of New Hampshire. Francis Parnell Murphy, elected Governor of the State 
in 1937, was born here. Today, Tom Magee, Gus Ruth, Bill Kelly, Ken 
Berthiaume and Brian Moser, the current members of the Board of 
Selectmen, are carrying on this tradition of public service.
  These people, and so many others, highlight the rich history for 
which the people of Winchester can justifiably be proud. As they 
celebrate the Town's 250th birthday, I am honored to salute this great 
community.

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