250th Anniversary of Buxton, Maine

Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the town of Buxton, ME. It is a great pleasure to celebrate the generations of industrious and caring people who have made Buxton a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.

Named for the famous spa town in England, Buxton has a rich history. For thousands of years, the Saco River Valley was home to the Abenaki. In 1728, the Massachusetts General Court granted land to establish a settlement that was called Narragansett Number One. As the population grew, the town of Buxton was incorporated on July 14, 1772.

The early settlers turned the dense forests and fertile soil into a thriving lumber industry and productive farms. With the Saco River providing power, sawmills and gristmills were built, followed by woolen mills, tanneries, churches, libraries, and flourishing retail stores.

Education has been central to Buxton from the start. The first schoolmaster arrived in 1761, more than a decade before incorporation. Soon, 17 homes in town hosted one-room schools so that every youngster was within walking distance.

Buxton's early prosperity as an industrial center produced many fine examples of New England architecture. Today, several homes, businesses, and the First Congregational Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also on the Register is the Buxton Powder House, built by the townspeople at a cost of $59 to store ammunition and arms during the War of 1812. Since then, the people of Buxton have joined together to erect monuments and memorials in tribute to the patriots who have defended freedom throughout our Nation's history.

The spirit that built Buxton is evident today in many ways. Countless volunteers have come together to make the town's sestercentennial a memorable celebration. For nearly 30 years, townspeople have generously supported the Buxton Toy Box that helps bring holiday cheer to children. Buxton's active involvement on the Saco River Corridor Commission shows a commitment to protect the natural resources that are vital to the quality of life.

Nothing better demonstrates the Buxton spirit than a special moment at this year's annual town meeting on June 18, when the townspeople honored Deputy Chief Gene Harmon of the Buxton Fire-Rescue Department for 60 years of dedicated service to his community and his neighbors.

Buxton's 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate the people who pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. Thanks to those who came before, Buxton, ME, has a wonderful history. Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.

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