Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-01-15

TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY

HealthcareDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-15, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) delivered a floor speech titled "TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered defense, veterans affairs. It referenced legislation: S253.

Full Text

TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S253] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in 1826, a small town on the western shore of Sebago Lake was incorporated and took the name that has roots in the Abenaki phrase sobagoo, or ``it is the sea.'' Today, it is an honor to join the people of Sebago, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families. Initially, Sebago was known as Flintstown, as a result of the Massachusetts General Court granting settlement in the area to the survivors of Captain John Flint's brigade of American Revolution soldiers. Shortly thereafter, the town was named Baldwin and saw an influx of lumberjacks and woodsmen drawn by the abundant forests. Despite difficult growing conditions, residents were successful in farming, and in establishing factories to produce lumber, boots, shoes, and barrel staves. As the town grew, so did trade and tourism. The Cumberland and Oxford Canal opened in 1832, tying together the Sebago Lake and Portland economies. Later, in the 1870s, the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad expanded the town's hospitality industry and encouraged steamboats to bring visitors to Sebago. What were once seasonal homes and inns evolved into year-round abodes that contribute to Sebago's image as a well-known resort area in southwestern Maine. Sebago is home to many examples of charming New England architecture on the National Register of Places. One of the most fascinating is the Dyke Mountain Annex. It was built between 1906 and 1908 and originally was part of the Dyke Mountain Hotel. While the rest of the resort would later be destroyed by fire, the annex functioned as a summer hostel and continues to be used as such by the present owners. Another example of Sebago's small-town beauty is Fitch's General Store and House. Built in 1870, it combined Italianate and Greek Revival architecture. In 1920, it opened as a general store, offering goods from groceries to hardware to gardening supplies. Although the building has been restored as a private residence, its legacy remains a pivotal part of the town's history. The rich history of Sebago resides not only in beautiful architecture, but also in honoring the tireless service of their veterans. Words chiseled in stone at the Sebago Veterans Memorial read, ``Sebago Honors Her Men and Women Who Served in the Wars of Their Country.'' From the valiant service of Captain Flint and his troops in securing American's independence to the patriots of today, Sebago honors her people's history. The celebration of Sebago's 200th anniversary is not merely about the passage of time. It is about human accomplishment in the face of adversity. We celebrate the people of Sebago who stand together, work together, and have created community together for 200 years. Thank you to those who came before. Sebago, ME, could not continue to thrive without your sacrifice. Thank you to those there today. Your effort and dedication ensure Sebago has a bright future. ____________________

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TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S253] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TOWN OF SEBAGO 200TH ANNIVERSARY Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in 1826, a small town on the western shore of Sebago Lake was incorporated and took the name that has roots in the Abenaki phrase sobagoo, or ``it is the sea.'' Today, it is an honor to join the people of Sebago, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families. Initially, Sebago was known as Flintstown, as a result of the Massachusetts General Court granting settlement in the area to the survivors of Captain John Flint's brigade of American Revolution soldiers. Shortly thereafter, the town was named Baldwin and saw an influx of lumberjacks and woodsmen drawn by the abundant forests. Despite difficult growing conditions, residents were successful in farming, and in establishing factories to produce lumber, boots, shoes, and barrel staves. As the town grew, so did trade and tourism. The Cumberland and Oxford Canal opened in 1832, tying together the Sebago Lake and Portland economies. Later, in the 1870s, the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad expanded the town's hospitality industry and encouraged steamboats to bring visitors to Sebago. What were once seasonal homes and inns evolved into year-round abodes that contribute to Sebago's image as a well-known resort area in southwestern Maine. Sebago is home to many examples of charming New England architecture on the National Register of Places. One of the most fascinating is the Dyke Mountain Annex. It was built between 1906 and 1908 and originally was part of the Dyke Mountain Hotel. While the rest of the resort would later be destroyed by fire, the annex functioned as a summer hostel and continues to be used as such by the present owners. Another example of Sebago's small-town beauty is Fitch's General Store and House. Built in 1870, it combined Italianate and Greek Revival architecture. In 1920, it opened as a general store, offering goods from groceries to hardware to gardening supplies. Although the building has been restored as a private residence, its legacy remains a pivotal part of the town's history. The rich history of Sebago resides not only in beautiful architecture, but also in honoring the tireless service of their veterans. Words chiseled in stone at the Sebago Veterans Memorial read, ``Sebago Honors Her Men and Women Who Served in the Wars of Their Country.'' From the valiant service of Captain Flint and his troops in securing American's independence to the patriots of today, Sebago honors her people's history. The celebration of Sebago's 200th anniversary is not merely about the passage of time. It is about human accomplishment in the face of adversity. We celebrate the people of Sebago who stand together, work together, and have created community together for 200 years. Thank you to those who came before. Sebago, ME, could not continue to thrive without your sacrifice. Thank you to those there today. Your effort and dedication ensure Sebago has a bright future. ____________________