[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO CREW MEMBERS OF THE SUGAR ISLAND FERRY BY THE HONORABLE BART 
                           STUPAK OF MICHIGAN

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 17, 1995
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere 
congratulations to the crew members of the Sugar Island ferry in Sugar 
Island, MI for their outstanding service to the community.
  Each year, civic groups on Sugar Island choose an individual to 
recognize his or her contributions to the community. This year, 
however, the entire crew of the Sugar Island ferry was chosen to be 
honored for their enormous efforts for the betterment of the Sugar 
Island community.
  The first regularly scheduled ferry to bring cars to Sugar Island was 
the Service, which began operation on July 1, 1928. On that day, 30 
automobiles were transported from the island to the mainland of 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It cost 45 cents for cars and 15 cents for 
foot passengers to be carried across St. Mary's River. In addition to 
cars and trucks, the ferry also carried horse-drawn wagons during this 
period.
  The Service, was in use until 1932, when it was replaced by the 
Beaver. The Beaver ran until 1937, when a second ferry, Scow No. 1, was 
placed into service. Later rebuilt and named Chippewa, that ferry was 
in use until a larger, steel ferry with a 12 car capacity was 
constructed. That ferry, the Sugar Islander, built in 1947, is still in 
use today. The Sugar Island ferry was privately-owned by the Eastern 
Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority in 1979.
  In 1994, 252,339 vehicles were transported by the Sugar Islander. The 
ferry provides a vital link from Sugar Island to the city of Sault Ste. 
Marie in the Upper Peninsula. In addition to its regular service, the 
ferry goes out of its way to promptly transport emergency vehicles and 
ambulance, fire and police personnel for the benefit of Sugar Island 
residents.
  Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the ferry is known for its outstanding 
service. It operates every half hour in good weather and bad, 365 days 
a year. The highly dedicated crew works 11-hour shifts, and I commend 
the crew members of the Sugar Islander, for their unfailingly courteous 
and reliable service. Specifically, I would like to congratulate the 
current members of the Sugar Island ferry, including: Tom Stevens, 
Brian Dynes, Dan Cairns, Paul McCoy, Derek Myerscough, Doug Bisdorf, 
Mike Patten, Tim Switzer, Don Soper, Jim Gort, Jr., and Rick Brown.
  I know my colleagues join me in honoring those crew members who 
enrich the lives of Sugar Island residents, as well as visitors to that 
Northern Michigan community.


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