300th Anniversary of Garretson Forge and Farm

Floor Speech

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Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Garretson Forge and Farm, a national historical landmark in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Garretson in 1719. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers of Garretson Forge and Farm Restoration, Inc., this special property has been preserved and kept open to the community. In recognition of Garretson's anniversary, I would like to include in the Record the poem `A Heritage to Keep,' by William F. Haywood which captures the long history of Garretson Forge and Farm, a Bergen County treasure: The traffic moves in swifter pace Around the bend that holds this place In gentle curves where time has flown And countless passers it has known. The silent step of moccasin, The echoing of forge's din; A gangling pine saw all of these, New homes replacing other trees. The continental soldier came, Lone hunter seeking wary game, A farmer tilling fertile soil Where the river turns its coil. So generations came and went Through seasons ill and fairly spent. The Garretsons had built to last, While time has added to the past A heritage for here and now-- To keep it whole should be our vow.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Garretson Forge and Farm's 300th anniversary. I know that we will continue to enjoy Garretson for many generations to come.

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