[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STATEMENT HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINDORO ``CUT''

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 
centennial anniversary of the completion of the Mindoro ``Cut'' and its 
addition to the National Register of HIstoric Places.
  The Mindoro Cut is a perfect example of the ingenuity of rural 
Wisconsin residents. When the need arose to market perishable dairy 
products from the countryside to the local creamery, neighbors and 
families came together and surveyed a route through the region's rugged 
terrain.
  From 1907 and into 1908, workers dug and hacked through hard rock 
with little technology outside of wheelbarrows and hand tools and a 
good strong back. Digging 74 feet deep, 25 feet wide and 86 feet long, 
the Mindoro Cut is the deepest of its kind still remaining in America.
  Eventually, about 14,000 cubic feet of rock would be removed. 
Although they initially assumed that the hilltop ridge was made of 
sandstone and dirt, cutters found hard rock just under the surface.
  The Mindoro Cut is still in use today. From its creation in 1908, the 
``Cut'' has more than served its original purpose. Today, tourists and 
visitors travel from across the country to marvel at the scenic views 
while they drive the winding highway through this man-made historical 
landmark.
  Today I pay tribute to the workers who undertook this great endeavor 
and to the community of Mindoro for honoring their efforts. With its 
natural beauty and continued usefulness, the Mindoro Cut is a link to 
our region's history and people.

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