[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S8576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYANDOTTE BOAT CLUB

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
125th Anniversary of the Wyandotte, Michigan, Boat Club, which will be 
celebrated on September 23, 2000. Established in 1875, the club is 
revered in the annals of rowing, and for 125 years it has been a staple 
of the Wyandotte community, encouraging the citizens of Southeastern 
Wayne County to flourish physically, mentally and morally.
  The Wyandotte Boat Club is located on the Detroit River, 
approximately 15 miles ``downriver'' of Detroit. It was formed in 1875 
when a group of Wyandotte men, led by Mr. John McKnight, officially 
organized and together purchased a ten-oar barge. The first home of the 
club was at the foot of Pine Street in a shed behind the summer home of 
a resident of Wyandotte. And though the club has come a very long way 
since this time, in a literal manner it has not moved an inch, for on 
January 14, 1997, the club moved back to the foot of Pine Street, into 
a state of the art, multi-million dollar facility.
  The boat club has come to play a very large role in the lives of 
Wyandotte citizens. Its more than 700 members assist in the coaching, 
maintenance and administration of the club's activities and regattas. 
They teach rowing programs to individuals of all ages. Furthermore, in 
the mid 1940's, the club began to sponsor a program offering rowing to 
area high school students. In its 50 plus years, the program has now 
expanded to include elementary and middle school students as well as 
high school students. The school programs are open to all students and 
there is no charge to the student or the school for participation. Many 
of the high school oarsmen who have participated in the program have 
become known both nationally and internationally as top competitors in 
the rowing arena.
  Mr. President, I applaud the members of the Wyandotte Boat Club for 
the many beneficial things they do for the citizens of Wyandotte on a 
daily basis. In particular, to sponsor rowing for children of all ages, 
which not only provides these children with a lifelong hobby, but also 
helps to teach them some of life's most basic and important lessons. On 
behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate the Wyandotte 
Boat Club on 125 successful years, and wish the group continued success 
in the future.

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