[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
citizens of the Borough of Somerville, county of Somerset, New Jersey, 
as they celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the incorporation of 
their municipality.
  Although the Borough of Somerville was not incorporated until April 
16, 1909, its roots lie much deeper in American history. The town of 
Somerville was settled in 1683 by Dutch and English immigrants as part 
of Bridgewater Township. The town unwaveringly aided in the fight for 
the independence of our Nation, including housing General George 
Washington from December 1778 to June 1779 while the Continental Army 
was stationed at Camp Middlebrook.
  Until the 1840s, Somerville was a sparsely populated agricultural 
community. However, with the completion of the rail line in the 1840s 
and the development of water power in the 1850s, Somerville rapidly 
developed. From the abundant red clay from which Somerville was built, 
brick making became one of the earliest industries.
  Today, Somerville is an essential hub in central New Jersey, and the 
seat of county government, the Somerset Board of Chosen Freeholders. 
Its bustling yet quaint Main Street boasts numerous boutique specialty 
shops and a large variety of dining options. The borough also hosts 
many local recreational, cultural, and historical activities, including 
the annual Tour of Somerville bike race, the oldest bicycle race in the 
United States, and both the home of the historic Wallace House and Old 
Dutch Parsonage. Somerville has truly become a premiere destination for 
visitors.
  The Borough of Somerville continues to grow and prosper. Currently, 
the borough is in the process of completing a large redevelopment 
project to include a new shopping center, town homes, and many other 
amenities on the grounds of the former borough landfill. The project is 
centered around the Somerville train station and envisioned as a 
transit village redevelopment.
  Madam Speaker, for 100 years, Somerville has been a center for local 
commerce, not only for the citizens of Somerville, but for all of New 
Jersey. Somerville is truly a unique and special part of New Jersey, 
and I ask you, Madam Speaker, and my colleagues to congratulate all 
residents of Somerville on their special centennial celebration.

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