[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24125-24126]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF HARRIS LEVY FINE LINENS ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 110TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of 
Harris Levy Fine Linens, a business in the Lower East Side neighborhood 
of Manhattan. Harris Levy has flourished since its modest beginnings 
110 years ago. At a time when many small businesses struggle to compete 
with franchises and larger companies, Harris Levy has thrived by 
inspiring the trust of its customers.
  Harris Levy Fine Linens began in 1894 when Harris and Ester Levy 
started selling tapestries and yard goods from a rented pushcart. Five 
years later, they were able to move their business to a nearby basement 
and in

[[Page 24126]]

1930, they finally purchased a lot at 278 Grand Street, where their 
store is presently located.
  Early in its history, Harris Levy established itself as a pioneer--at 
a time when most stores relied on importers or wholesale suppliers, it 
chose to import its own goods. In those days, Harris Levy would sell 
its imported bed, bath and table linens at cost and derive its profits 
from the sale of the wooden crate in which the fabrics were shipped.
  Today, Harris Levy's fourth-generation owners continue to adhere to 
the core values with which Harris Levy started his business more than a 
century ago. The company insists on setting reasonable prices for its 
goods, striving not only to make a profit, but to maintain its customer 
base and supplier networks, as well. Harris Levy's owners also take 
great pride in the dedication of their employees, all of whom have been 
with the company for more than fifteen years.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that my distinguished colleagues 
join me in paying tribute to this outstanding family-run business, 
which has established itself as an integral part of the Lower East Side 
neighborhood. I wish Harris Levy's owners and longtime employees many 
more years of success.

                          ____________________