[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 103 (Thursday, June 22, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1312-E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       TRIBUTE TO REPUBLIC, MI, IN HONOR OF ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 1995
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere 
congratulations to the Village of Republic in Michigan's Upper 
Peninsula which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
  The pioneers who settled in northern Michigan, and especially in the 
area later known as Republic, survived boom times and bad times with 
traditional American fortitude.
  From the first recorded purchase of land in the area by William Pratt 
on March 13, 1851, the town, originally known as Iron City, flourished.
  From the beginning, iron mining was an important industry to 
Republic. In 1856, an iron vein was discovered by explorer Silas 
Whetstone Smith, for whom the bay and mountain or iron were named. The 
first and most successful of the iron companies was formed in 1870. On 
November 3, 1871, Peter Pascal, an agent of the Republic Iron Mining 
Co., directed clearance of lands for the company. The first permanent 
settlers arrived in 1872, and mining operations began by 1873. Mining 
and lumbering industries attracted railroads, and the town flourished.
  Like many other towns in Michigan, Republic had a prosperous 
lumbering industry, especially from the 1870's to the early 1900's. 
Lumbering was an important source of employment, and it continues to be 
a thriving industry.
  By 1928, the economy slowed down, and Republic residents, along with 
the rest of the country, found themselves in the midst of the Great 
Depression. With the advent of the New Deal and the creation of the 
Works Progress Administration, many improvements were made to the town 
and surrounding area.
  Although Republic was for many years a mining community, the closing 
of the mine in 1980 presented an enormous challenge to local residents. 
Fires in the area also took a tool, but the village rebuilt. Today, 
Republic is a viable, dynamic, and friendly community. [[Page E 1313]] 
  As part of its celebration of its 125th anniversary, Republic 
residents, the Republic Area Historical Society, and the Ethnic Days 
Committee have planned several events, including a Mid-Summer Festival 
in Munson Park, a Quasquicentennial Home Tour, and construction of a 
Heritage Quilt.
  I know my colleagues join me in honoring the residents of the Village 
of Republic as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of 
Republic.


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