[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 26 (Tuesday, March 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E376-E377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF WEST BRANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a community in my 
district that is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a city. Tomorrow, 
the residents of West Branch, Michigan celebrate this great milestone.
  The land that is now West Branch began as a timber town in 1875, 
blessed with a mixture of soft and hardwoods. As many timber towns 
dissolved with the depleting timber supply, the early community leaders 
of West Branch had the foresight to replenish the forests through a 
conservation plan funded through a timely oil boom that contributed 
greatly to the economy.
  Located on the Michigan's largest railroad line, West Branch is 
roughly halfway between the southern State line and the Mackinac 
Bridge. Three old Native American Chippewa Trails that convened in West 
Branch transformed into what is now known as highways, M-76, M-30 and 
M-55 making that area a major hub for the increasing transportation.
  It was in 1905 that the State of Michigan recognized West Branch for 
30 years of solid growth by granting them incorporation as a City. The 
State further noted that the area's escalating commerce in the farm 
industry also attributed to the cause for incorporation. Agriculture, 
still today, remains the area's largest economic resource.
  Through the years, the community has dramatically evolved. In the 
1930s and 40s West Branch grew its recreational attractions by 
establishing Trout Festivals and Alpine Ski facilities as well as 
promoting its suitability for hunting, fishing and agriculture. In the 
1950s and 60s the City focused on highway and land development that 
brought the most famous highway in the state, I-75, directly through 
their emerging community. During the 70s, 80s and 90s the city 
experienced an economic boom and acquired two industrial parks. One of 
the parks was bestowed a ``smiley-face'' water tower, which is now the 
trademark of the City. The other, eventually became home to Tolfree 
Memorial Hospital, West Branch Regional Medical Center and the state-
of-the art Seaton Cancer Center.
  The West Branch of today, with a population of 1,924, serves as the 
County seat for Ogemaw County. This fast growing community's expanding 
commerce, with its own Community Airport and bustling outdoor shopping

[[Page E377]]

mall contrasts the Victorian downtown that embraced its rich history 
during their recent streetscape enhancement.
  Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the broadly shared opinion 
that West Branch is a warm and welcoming community. When the city was 
added to my new district after the 2000 census I held an open house for 
my district office there in order to get to know my new constituents. I 
was impressed by the thoughtful questions of the people who attended 
and was touched by their welcome to me as their new Representative.
  Since then, I've held a healthcare forum in West Branch, visited with 
the West Branch Area Business and Professional Women's Club and even 
had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the West Branch Little 
League games. I continue to be very proud to represent the fine 
community of West Branch in Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating the City of West Branch and its residents on their 
first 100 years and in wishing them well through the next century.

                          ____________________