Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Town of Frenchville, ME. As one who was born and raised in Aroostook County, I am honored to celebrate the generations of industrious and caring people who have made Frenchville such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. The story of Frenchville begins long before its incorporation in 1869. For thousands of years, the St. John River Valley has been the home of the Maliseet Tribe. French explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain, first visited the area in 1604 and established friendly relationships with the Native Americans. In the late 1700s, French- speaking Canadians began settling in the area, and the Maliseets often provided vital assistance during the first difficult winters. These settlements laid the foundation for the vibrant Acadian culture that is so important in Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and as far away as Louisiana. The Acadian settlers created a prosperous community. They planted crops, established lumber and grain mills, and built schools, churches, and thriving general stores. Later in the 19th century, the people of Frenchville joined their neighboring towns in connecting their remote region to the world with their own hands. Town by town, they built roads and railroads with pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow. These transportation networks, combined with rich soil. made the region an agricultural center, and the potato industry remains an essential part of the economy.…”