[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO BROCKWAY TOWNSHIP'S SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 1998

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, the history of the United States is one of a 
colorful patchwork, stitched by people of diverse backgrounds and 
cultures. On March 22, the people of Brockway Township will celebrate 
their one-hundred and fifty years of history with a new township sign 
and an old-fashioned hoe-down.
  In 1836, Lewis Brockway, John Grennell and James Haines were the 
first settlers of the area now known as Brockway Township. After 12 
years, the Michigan legislature passed an act on March 17, 1848 to 
legally establish the township.
  Brockway Township was blessed with fertile farming land and rich 
forests. Farming, lumber mills and woolen mills were the townships most 
successful occupations. In 1881, Brockway shifted to Brockway Center to 
take advantage of the railroads. It is said that people moved homes and 
business on skids to take advantage of the new technology.
  Small midwestern towns are America's treasure. We are all drawn to 
the farmers markets, festivals, and parades that remind us of our 
heritage. Throughout the past one-hundred and fifty years, Brockway 
Township has witnessed the evolution from carriages to trains to 
automobiles; from wood planked, hand laid roads to the concrete 
freeways. But despite all the changes, it is the strong spirit of the 
citizens of Brockway Township that keeps the history alive and the hope 
for a successful future in the hearts of all who visit. On behalf of 
the people of the 10th District--Happy Birthday Brockway Township.

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