[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 15491-15492] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF ``OLD MOTHER WEST WIND'' ______ HON. BILL DELAHUNT of massachusetts in the house of representatives Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the publication of ``Old Mother West Wind,'' the hallmark nature book penned by author and naturalist Thornton W. Burgess. The first of over 150 nature books and 15,000 stories, Burgess' ``Old Mother Wind'' introduced children to a wide variety of local animals, their habits, and habitats. These engaging stories of the natural world have helped generations of children gain a greater understanding of the timeless importance of conservation of our natural resources and a love of wildlife. A native of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Thornton Burgess (1875-1965) went on to achieve national and international recognition for these children's stories and his monumental leadership and initiatives in preserving our Nation's natural heritage. For 100 years, generations of children throughout the world have grown up with Old Mother West Wind. Her Merry Little Breezes skipping across the meadows, Peter Rabbit and his animal friends--including Jimmy Skunk, Grandfather Frog, Johnny Chuck, Sammy Jay, Reddy Fox, Hooty Owl, and many others--continue today to both regale and teach us about our natural surroundings. These characters have become friends to children and adults alike. Their antics, questions of ``why'' and ``how,'' and their love for one another, demonstrate and teach the value of our natural heritage. They stimulate and fascinate children's interests in the natural world, all the while constantly reminding parents and adults of the importance of preserving and conserving our natural heritage for future generations. Thornton W. Burgess' work is continued today through the non-profit Thornton W. Burgess Society, headquartered in his native town of Sandwich. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of ``Old Mother West Wind,'' I salute the Thornton W. Burgess Society for its preservation of the writings, teachings, and memorabilia of a pioneer environmentalist; its mission of inspiring reverence of wildlife and concern for the natural environment; for its operation of the Thornton W. Burgess Museum, Green Briar Nature Center and Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden, and the many programs and exhibits it provides in conjunction with their operation; and its 34 years of promoting the study of the natural sciences and environmental education in the schools of Cape Cod and throughout southeastern Massachusetts. [[Page 15492]] ____________________