[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  KALKASKA COUNTY'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the 
attention of this body, and the Nation, the 125th anniversary of the 
official founding of Kalkaska County, MI. In celebrating this occasion, 
I would like to take the opportunity to look back upon those years.
  In 1855, William Copeland purchased a large tract of land, presently 
found between Round Lake and M-72 within what is now the Kalkaska 
County borders. After Mr. Copeland's purchase, a wave of settlers were 
brought in to clear trees for farms and orchards. This area was first 
known as Wabassee. Before becoming its own county, Kalkaska was part of 
Grand Traverse, Antrim and Crawford Counties. It was not until 1843 
that the Wabassee area became known as Kalkaska County. In 1871, 
Kalkaska County residents officially organized themselves. The Village 
of Kalkaska became the county seat and was incorporated in 1887.
  During the late 19th century, Kalkaska County became a magnet for 
lumberjacks, offering both success and failure to those who sought 
jobs. While some parts of Kalkaska County enjoyed economic booms, 13 
other settlements closed down. A strong timber trade would remain until 
1920, when the county's population leveled off at 5,570 people. The 
timber industry spurred the development of railroads to transport the 
timber. From farming to timber to railroads, an economic base for 
Kalkaska's development was established.
  Kalkaska County also benefited economically from the spirit of 
mechanical innovation. Residents, such as Elmer Johnson, tinkered with 
the internal combustion engine, creating a few automobile prototypes in 
his day. One of these ``Elmers'' is currently displayed at the Kalkaska 
County Historical Museum.
  Aviation was also subjected to innovation Kalkaska-style. Around the 
turn of the century, W.C. Freeman announced that he had built a flying 
machine and was attempting a trial flight. Unfortunately, no record 
exists of the success or failure of Mr. Freeman's attempt.
  During this period of timber and innovation, Kalkaska encountered 
several citywide fires which leveled parts of the city. Some of the 
more destructive and memorable fires occurred in 1908 and 1910. But the 
most destructive fire in Kalkaska County occurred in 1921, when the 
central portion of the village of South Boardman burned to the ground. 
This part of South Boardman has never been rebuilt.
  Mr. Speaker, Kalkaska County, MI, has had wonderful and varied 
experiences throughout its 125-year existence. Its development has 
mirrored much of northern Michigan's and on behalf of the State of 
Michigan and its people, I commend both past and present county and 
community leaders and wish Kalkaska a successful celebration and best 
wishes for a successful future.

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