[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1644-E1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF CHARLEVIOX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a community in my 
district that is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a city. On June 
1, 2005, the residents of Charleviox, Michigan, honored their history 
that began as an early settlement for Native American Tribes, and grew 
into an essential regional shipping port and remains a major center for 
tourism in northern Michigan.
  Michigan State University archeological digs have uncovered evidence 
that indicated Michigan's early Native American Tribes established 
seasonal settlements in the Charleviox area dating back to 1500 B.C. 
The area, then known as Pine River, also became a seasonal home to 
Beaver Island fishermen during the mid-19th century. This development 
would begin the long-time fishing trade that would later position 
Charleviox as the largest exporter of fish of any port on the Great 
Lakes during the early 1900's.
  It was a Mormon family that left Beaver Island in 1854 for more 
tranquil life that planted the seeds of the city. After starting a 
farmstead nearby what is now the downtown, many families followed suit 
by establishing their own farms, fishing businesses and lumbering 
mills. With the bountiful natural resources, the new community quickly 
grew.
  Upon the channel opening in 1869 that created a connection between 
Round Lake to

[[Page E1645]]

Charleviox Lake allowing navigation to Charleviox from Lake Michigan. 
This new access ``opened up the entire northwest comer of the Lower 
Peninsula of Michigan to national and subsequently international 
commerce,'' according to local historians. The Federal Government was 
charged with the maintenance of the channel due to the increasing 
economic importance Charleviox was having on the area as a principal 
shipping port in the area.
  As years went on, travelers to Pine River began referring to this 
area as the ``town in Charleviox County'' and then simply as 
Charleviox. In 1879, the village was chartered under the county name of 
Charleviox.
  With a long standing maritime history that included canoes, yachts, 
passenger liners, lake freighters, pleasure crafts and a U.S. Coast 
Guard Cutter, Charleviox has been considered one of the finest harbors 
on the Great Lakes. During the late 1800's, the harbor's easy access, 
beautiful scenery and reputation for a healthy atmosphere made 
Charleviox an attraction for tourists and resorters from around the 
country. The establishment of a railroad in 1892 and three of the 
finest resorts in America made Charleviox a national vacation 
destination drawing tens of thousands of guests each summer.
  As the influx of out-of-towners grew each year, the numbers those who 
stayed in Charleviox increased. The village of Charleviox was charted 
as an official city by the State of Michigan in 1905 but maintained its 
quaint small town feel and the appeal of a major harbor resort area.
  Mr. Speaker, due to the influence of Native American settlements, 
trades that were based on the bountiful natural resources and the 
beauty of the region, the history of Charleviox is unique. Charleviox, 
known to its residents as ``Charleviox, The Beautiful'' was able to 
capitalize on its unique attributes which have drawn visitors from 
every State in the Union and countries from around the world to its 
little comer of Michigan. I ask the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating Charleviox and its 
residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through the 
next century.

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