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[Page S64]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUBURN, MAINE
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the city of Auburn, ME. Auburn was built with a spirit
of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today,
and this is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and
caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work,
and raise families.
Auburn was settled in 1786 and first incorporated as a town in 1842.
The name was inspired by a popular poem by Oliver Goldsmith that begins
with this line: ``Sweet Auburn! Loveliest village of the plain.''
With the mighty Androscoggin River providing power, Auburn soon was
home to many lumber, grain, and textile mills. When the factory system
of shoe manufacturing was developed there, the people of Auburn formed
a skilled and dedicated workforce that built a great Maine industry.
The factories attracted many French-Canadian immigrants, whose culture
continues to enliven the city. The prosperity produced by hard work and
determination was invested in schools and churches to create a true
community.
On February 22, 1869, the fast-growing community incorporated as the
city of Auburn. Together with Lewiston across the Androscoggin River,
an economic powerhouse was created, and the ``Cities of the
Androscoggin'' today form Maine's second largest municipal region.
The decline of traditional industries in the 20th century posed a
great challenge. Auburn's response is described in words etched into
the walls of Auburn Hall: a Latin phrase that translates to ``No Steps
Backward.'' Auburn is a community that was built by the power of a
great river. Now, the power of community is building a new future on
that river with new economic opportunities, wonderful food, vibrant
arts and entertainment, and exciting recreation. Auburn cherishes its
history as it continues to move forward.
Auburn is a city of compassionate, involved people. It is home to the
Good Shepherd Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in
Maine. The Auburn Police Activities League, which provides educational
and athletic opportunities to children and teens after school and
during the summer, is an outstanding example of public officials and
committed citizens joining together to change lives today to create the
leaders of tomorrow. The energy and planning that are going into
Auburn's 150th anniversary celebration demonstrate the pride residents
have in their city.
The celebration of the city of Auburn's 150th anniversary is not
merely about the passing of time. It is about human accomplishment. We
celebrate the people who, from the dawn of our Nation to our time, have
pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community.
Thanks to those who came before, Auburn, ME, has a wonderful history.
Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.
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