[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE MICHIGAN APPAREL CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 1997

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Michigan Apparel Club 
[MAC] on the occasion of their 80th anniversary.
  Eighty years ago, this club began as just a social gathering between 
manufacturers' representatives of men's apparel and the Michigan 
retailers they serviced. In the 1920's, their informal relationship 
took on a closer association with the introduction of ``The 
Sprinkler,'' and trade shows. ``The Sprinkler'' was, and still is 
today, the publication that informs retailers of the trade shows and 
provides advertising opportunities for the manufacturers' 
representatives and their merchandise.
  With the advent of the Depression, apparel clubs in other States 
suffered, and only the Michigan club remained.
  MAC's most successful years came as a result of World War II. 
Shortages of merchandise resulted in strict allocation of supplies to 
retailers, and with the return of servicemen the club took on a new 
spirit and camaraderie that is unmatched even today. Indeed, those were 
their glory days.
  The Detroit trade shows were first held in the Statler and Book 
Cadillac Hotels, and shortly expanded from the two hotels, to three 
with the addition of the Tuller. Their next move was to Cobo Hall, and 
later to the Southfield Civic Center. Today the Michigan Apparel Club 
holds their trade shows at the Burton Manor in Livonia, and serves as 
the regional show for all the Midwest.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Michigan Apparel Club for its 80 years of dedicated service, and I wish 
the current members continued success in promoting the goodwill and 
prosperity in our business community.

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