[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E880-E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MINE PRESERVATIONIST BURTON BOYUM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
volunteer for his work in preserving the grand history of mining in the 
Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
  Burton Boyum is a shining example of how giving to one's community 
brightens the lot for many. Mr. Boyum has selflessly given his time and 
served in various capacities designed to better the lives of residents 
and improve their understanding of the area's economic and cultural 
history.
  For decades, the Upper Peninsula was dotted with mines that drew iron 
ore and copper from the tree-covered hills. The resources, however, 
were exhausted and now the area is witness to little mining. All that 
remains of this former economic mainstay, which provided thousands of 
jobs to hardworking citizens, are the stories of former miners and some 
dilapidated structures. Gratefully, communities in the Upper Peninsula 
have been graced by the energy and dedication of Burton Boyum. He has 
been determined to preserve the historic structures of Michigan's 
mining past and retain the anecdotes that illustrated miners' lives.
  Following his graduation from the University of Minnesota in 1941, 
Mr. Boyum moved to the Upper Peninsula, where he worked as a Mining 
Engineer for Cleveland Cliffs International until his retirement in 
1984. During that period and beyond, Mr. Boyum worked diligently to 
capture the history of mining. In 1961, he founded the Quincy Mine 
Hoist Association, a non-profit organization, and served as President 
of the Board of Directors from 1973 to 1998. Most notably, in 1998, the 
Quincy Mine Hoist Association honored this distinguished community 
member by creating the Burton H. Boyum Award.
  Mr. Boyum has contributed to the community in many other laudable 
ways. He served as a member of the Marquette County Historical Society, 
where he wrote and published two books: Saga of Iron Mining in 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula and The Mather Mine. He worked tirelessly to 
create the United States National Ski Hall of Fame in Ishpeming, 
Michigan, which is housed in an award-winning structure that 
beautifully enhances the interpretation of skiing in our country. 
Finally, Mr. Boyum played a large role in creating the Great Lakes 
Olympic Education Training Center, which trains athletes for various 
events in the world's athletic showcase. I have worked on matters 
concerning the National Ski Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Olympic 
Education Training Center and can appreciate the initiative and 
devotion displayed by Mr. Boyum toward both creating and strengthening 
these facilities.
  Although Mr. Boyum recently suffered a stroke, I am sure that his 
passion for civic involvement and his appreciation for mining history 
in the Upper Peninsula will remain steadfast. I ask you Mr. Speaker to 
join me in this salute to Burton Boyum.

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