[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 60 (Friday, May 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CITY OF MUNISING'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Munising, MI. In the 
Chippewa language, Munising means Place of the Great Island.
  Munising was first founded in 1850 when the Munising Co. bought 
87,000 acres of land on the eastern shore of Munising Bay. The land 
changed hands for the next 20 years as businesses opened and closed in 
the area.
  In 1870, the beginnings of a thriving town were seen. The village of 
30 homes was centered around the blast furnace which had just begun 
producing iron. The village had a blacksmith shop, sawmill, dock, and a 
government lighthouse. The village continued to thrive until 1877, when 
a fire destroyed the whole community.
  By 1895, the lumber baron Timothy Nester had acquired 184,000 acres 
in Munising Bay. He quickly began work on a railroad to connect 
Munising to South Shore. A town was planned and several buildings were 
built from the nearby lumber. In January 1896, a post office was opened 
to serve the town's 500 residents. In May 1896, the village was 
incorporated and Nester was named president. The new town expanded 
rapidly and after a year its residents numbered 3,500. The lumber 
industry would continue to drive the expansion of the village for many 
years to come.
  Today, Munising is a small and vibrant community. Many people from 
Michigan and around the country come to Munising to experience the many 
activities its natural beauty has to offer. I know that my Senate 
colleagues join me in congratulating the city of Munising on its 100th 
anniversary.

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