Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
congratulate the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles as it celebrates
50 years of educating countless visitors about the important role Berks
County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania played in the development
of America's automobile industry.

Before Detroit became the automobile capital of the world, Berks
County was at the forefront of America's transportation revolution.
Horse-drawn carriages yielded to electric and gasoline-powered vehicles
test driven on the steep slopes and hairpin curves leading to the
summit of Mt. Penn in Reading and other roads in the region.

Thanks to the outstanding dedication and hard work of its staff and
volunteers, as well as the generosity of its members and supporters,
the Museum chronicles the ground-breaking contributions of automobile
manufacturing pioneers such as Charles Duryea, who along with his
brother, Frank, is credited with designing and producing the country's
first hill-climbing, gasoline-powered vehicle and the first
commercially-produced automobile in 1900.

Founded by Paul R. Hafer and his wife, Ermine, in 1965, the Museum
is home to fascinating exhibits and dozens of automobiles, trucks, and
motorcycles that were manufactured in Pennsylvania. The community will
help the Museum kick off a year-long celebration of the 50th
anniversary on Saturday, January 17th during a Golden Gala.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles as it celebrates this memorable
milestone and continues telling the uniquely American story of how hard
work, ingenuity and craftsmanship helped Berks County and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania revolutionize how all of us travel.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source