[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF BRIDGEPORT TOWNSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the Sesquicentennial of Bridgeport Township, Michigan. This 
community was founded on April 4, 1848 and is currently Michigan's 
oldest charter township. In April of 1848 Bridgeport Township's 
population was 15, today there are 9,158 residents. Although the 
township has grown, Bridgeport Township has worked hard to preserve and 
protect its rich history. Bridgeport Township's motto is ``A Community 
Living and Growing Together.'' This is a fitting motto because time and 
time again the residents have worked together to improve their 
community. When the old school house was going to be torn down--the 
citizens of Bridgeport Township worked together to save the historic 
building. Today, it stands in the township's historic village and is 
used by classes each year. When they needed a Gazebo constructed in the 
historic village, they joined as a community to complete this important 
project. Today, the gazebo is used for musical events and other 
gatherings.
  John Oldham said:

       To live is to meet life eager and unafraid--to refuse none 
     of its challenges, and to evade none of its responsibilities; 
     but to go forth daily with an adventurous heart to encounter 
     its risks, overcome its difficulties, and seize its 
     opportunities with both hands.

  This is how the community of Bridgeport Township has met each day 
during the past 150 years. It is through the dedication and hard work 
of many generations that this community gathers to celebrate 150 years 
of prosperity and very special memories.
  On Saturday, as the citizens of Bridgeport Township reflect on their 
past--they can be very proud of how their community started and where 
it is today. It is a special, caring community that has grown without 
sacrificing their special heritage.

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