[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1724]]
       CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF DURAND UNION STATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
one hundredth anniversary of Durand Union Station as October 4, 2003 
will mark its historic birthday. In the last century, Durand Union 
Station has survived fire, neglect, dilapidation, and even the wrecking 
ball. Over the years, the proud citizens of my district have banded 
together to restore and preserve this local treasure.
  In 1903, construction began on Durand Union Station, at a cost of 
$60,000 the rail depot was an architectural marvel. The Chateau 
Romanesque style depot was constructed of Missouri granite brick with 
an interior of oak woodwork and wainscoting of Tennessee marble. 
However, just eighteen months after its construction, fire tore though 
the boiler room of the station in April of 1905. Firefighters had the 
blaze contained until the Eastbound train forced the firefighters to 
pull their hoses back across the tracks and allow the train to pass. 
The fire of 1905 destroyed nearly all of Durand Union Station.
  After being rebuilt, Durand Union Station served the people of 
Michigan until 1974. Unfortunately, the struggling railroad industry 
forced Grand Trunk Western Railroad to completely abandon the building 
in 1974. Consequently, Durand Union Station was stripped, gutted, 
vandalized and ready for demolition. But, state and local officials 
along with the citizens of Durand determined to restore the building 
were able to save Durand Union Station at the demolition zero hour.
  Today, Durand Union Station has been preserved and restored by Durand 
Union Station, Inc., a nonprofit corporation founded to manage the 
historic building. The Michigan Legislature has designated Durand Union 
Station as the natural site for the Michigan Railroad History Museum 
and Information Center. Under the leadership of Durand Union Station 
Inc., the station is slated to undergo nearly $4 million in 
improvements and expansion.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Durand Union Station. Over 
the past one hundred years, the station has become a monument to the 
American spirit. The people of Durand, Michigan have overcome numerous 
setbacks in their quest to preserve this wonderful Michigan landmark.

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