[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1149-E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO WHITTEMORE ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 100 years of history 
in a small town in my congressional district. This weekend, the city of 
Whittemore celebrates its 100th anniversary, an all the residents of 
Whittemore should be proud of their contributions to the growth of this 
community.
  While Whittemore was officially incorporated as a city in 1907, the 
community's history dates back to an earlier time. Before its official 
incorporation, the city was part of Burleigh Township and was a timber 
town. The area was well known for its white pine timber. In the late 
1800s, lumbering moved west from neighboring Tawas City, and a rail 
line was constructed to transport timber from the small logging 
community that would become Whittemore to Tawas City. Because of this 
early economic development, Whittemore was officially incorporated in 
1907, the community was already booming.
  During the early 1900s, the area underwent a significant economic 
shift. As lumber supplies in the area were depleted, the town evolved 
into a farming community, and families from around the region flocked 
to the Whittemore area to purchase affordable farmland. It was during 
this early period that the historic Bullock's and Horr Hall was 
constructed. The Hall, which is recognized as a local landmark, still 
stands today and houses the Masonic Temple. In the early 1900s, the 
building served as a gathering place for residents. In 1907, the 
Whittemore High School was erected.
  The area continued to thrive throughout the early twentieth century 
and, by the 1940s, the town was thriving with a local bank, a hotel and 
bar, three grocery stores, and two car dealerships. Whittemore also 
boasted Joe Collins' Five and Dime store, a gathering place for local 
children who would visit the store daily to purchase candy.
  The 1940s also brought about the creation of the Whittemore Speedway; 
which still exists today and is considered Michigan's oldest speedway. 
In 1948, Whittemore Speedway started as a half-mile dirt track. Area 
residents would gather there every Saturday night with friends, family 
and neighbors to watch the races. Throughout the 1940s, the race track 
served as the entertainment focal point for this small community.
  The Whittemore Speedway has been continually updated and improved 
throughout the years. It continues to thrive today, hosting some of the 
best local family entertainment and races, while contributing many of 
its proceeds to area charity organizations and communities.
  Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Whittemore continued to boom, but, 
like in many small towns across our nation, things began to change. One 
of the major employers, National Gypsum, began making employee cutbacks 
as it modernized its facility. Gradually, over time, businesses began 
moving out of Whittemore.
  Yet, while change had come to Whittemore, the citizens of the town 
and its surrounding

[[Page E1150]]

community have kept many of the characteristics that have guided its 
growth over the past century. The entrepreneurial spirit that resulted 
in the early settlement of the area as a logging community remains 
intact today. Local businesses continue to proudly exhibit that same 
entrepreneurial spirit. For instance, Sherni's Candies in Whittemore 
continues to ship candy all over the country. Dixon and Ryan, the 
inventor of a unique tool used in NASCAR to measure wear on tires, 
continues to thrive. Turner Cheese Company continues to specialize in 
the creation of amazingly creamy and flavorful cheese.

  The young people of Whittemore-Prescott High School have also 
achieved a number of notable successes that exemplify Whittemore's 
spirit. In 2000, the school won the state football championship. A 
number of students from Whittemore-Prescott High School have been 
appointed to the military academies that produce our nation's military 
leaders.
  In addition to the local entrepreneurial spirit that it has 
preserved, Whittemore has also maintained its small town values. 
Community is important to the citizens of Whittemore and neighbors make 
a point of knowing each other there. For these reasons, while some 
businesses have left the town, the residents have stayed. The city's 
population in 1907 was about 500. Today, the population remains at a 
respectable 480. Moreover, many of the same families have remained in 
Whittemore. Some families have inhabited this small town for as many as 
six or seven generations.
  Madam Speaker, while many people in Michigan, and most people 
throughout our country, have not have heard of the city of Whittemore, 
I believe there is much to be admired in the city's history and 
character. As this small town and its citizens celebrate Whittemore's 
centennial, I would ask that the entire U.S. House of Representatives 
join me in congratulating this town and its past, present and future 
citizens on reaching this milestone and in acknowledging the city's 
place in Michigan's history.

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