[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF 
                         KILLINGLY, CONNECTICUT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th 
anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Killingly, Connecticut. 
Over the course of 2008, Killingly's residents have and will continue 
to celebrate 300 years of history.
  Killingly's ability to adapt and to transform with modem advancements 
have been evident since early settlement. Although the original 
settlement was rooted in agriculture production, like other colonial 
towns, modem amenities such as taverns, blacksmith shops, grist and saw 
mills were prevalent. By the end of the 18th century, William Danielson 
developed a successful iron works and William Cundall created one of 
Connecticut's earliest woolen works. With these modem amenities and 
connection with the New England railroad network, Killingly soon grew 
to an industrial hub.
  Over the past 300 years, Killingly has been the setting for momentous 
events as well as home and birthplace to many notable figures in 
American history. In 1750, Israel Proctor deeded his land to his 
servants, laying a progressive foundation for successive abolitionist, 
Henry Hammond, and an Underground Railroad network. In addition, Mary 
Dixon Kies, the first woman in the U.S. to receive a patent, and 
Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co., were both born and 
raised in Killingly.
  Madam Speaker, for 300 years Killingly and its residents have 
adapted, endured, and thrived in light of significant pressures from 
changing local, national and international dynamics. On Saturday, May 
31, 2008, I had the pleasure of participating in a tercentennial 
parade. The outpouring of support and warm wishes from Killingly 
citizens was truly telling of the strength and unity of this community. 
On this tercentennial, I ask my colleagues to join with me and my 
constituents with honoring and celebrating this 300th anniversary.

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