[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 675]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LIVINGSTON

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 25, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Township of 
Livingston, Essex County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 
bicentennial in 2013.
  Livingston's history can date back all the way to the year 1699, 
where settlers from Newark decided they wanted to move west. By 1702, 
the land that has come to be known as Livingston, as well as over eight 
currently neighboring municipalities, was officially purchased from the 
Lenape Native Americans. By 1740, many disputes over land ownership had 
begun in response to a lack of deed of purchase. William Livingston, a 
prominent proprietor, defended many victims of eviction and left a 
powerful mark on the area. His actions on behalf of the residents of 
the area, gave the eventual town of Livingston its name.
  Following the Revolutionary War, the addition of permanent settlers 
to the area gave the people reason to file for incorporation as a 
township. On February 5th, 1813, Livingston was officially incorporated 
under the Township Committee system. Much of the original boundaries 
have been changed through the years, breaking off into towns such as 
Roseland and Millburn. Major industries of Livingston, during its early 
years, included lumber and farming. After the Civil War had concluded, 
Livingston became a chief producer of dairy and a commonplace for 
shoemakers to make their living. With only one major transportation 
route in and out of the town, the difficult travel method became a 
problem as easier accessible towns began to progress.
  However, the population did eventually grow as the abundance of 
automobiles increased, providing easier access into the town. As a 
suburb of Newark, the end of the Second World War provided the town 
with a remarkable new group of people. By 1970 it had reached over 
30,000 residents.
  When the first schools were officially built 1898, they provided 
opportunity for children to stay in town to receive an education. This 
began to attract a great deal of families. During this period of 
expansion, the town began to take its shape. A volunteer fire 
department was established in 1922, followed by the creation of a Chief 
Police position in 1929. Two hospitals were opened in consecutive years 
between 1959 and 1960 complementing the construction of a library in 
1961 and a municipal complex in 1963.
  Volunteerism has been a cornerstone of Livingston and its citizens. 
Currently, there are over forty volunteer organizations that help the 
town function on a daily basis. Some of these organizations include the 
Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee, Veterans of Foreign War Posts, 
Holiday Committee, Neighborhood Grievance Committee, a Consumer Affairs 
Office, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the 
Committee for Diversity. Additionally, as reiterated above, the Fire 
Department is a completely volunteer-based group of individuals along 
with Auxiliary Police and the First Aid Squad.
  Livingston is the notable birthplace of several famous individuals 
including Governor Chris Christie, actor Jason Alexander, talk show 
host Chelsea Handler, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott, and Super 
Bowl XLII hero, David Tyree.
  As of 2013, over 28,000 people currently reside in Livingston. It 
provides a comfortable atmosphere for New York City commuters to come 
home to. With exceptional schools, services, and diversity, new 
residents continually flock to the township in order to take advantage 
of the benefits.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Township of Livingston as it celebrates its 200th anniversary.

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