[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18125]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOATING SOCIETY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
Anniversary of The Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), which will 
be celebrated from September 21-24, 2000, at the Grand Hotel on 
Mackinac Island, Michigan. For 25 years, the ACBS has united 
individuals with an interest in historic, antique and classic boats, 
allowing them to share fellowship, information, and experiences.
  The ACBS is an international organization headquartered on the St. 
Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands region of Clayton, New York. It 
currently has 44 chapters worldwide, and a membership of over 6,500 
individuals. The organization was founded not only to unite individuals 
with an interest in antique and classic boats, but also to protect and 
promote the heritage of boating. It does this through the preservation 
and restoration of historic boats, as well as by encouraging members to 
share their love and enjoyment of all aspects of historic, antique and 
classic boating with both other members and the general public.
  I think it is important to note here the large role that the State of 
Michigan has played in the growth and development of the recreational 
boating industry. Beginning as early as the 1920's, and continuing 
through the 1970's, the four most recognized American boat builders 
were headquartered in Michigan: Chris Craft in Algonac; Gar Wood in 
Marysville; Hacker Craft in Mount Clemens; and Century in Manistee. 
Thus, I think that it is only right that the 25th Anniversary of the 
Antique and Classic Boat Society be celebrated in the Water Wonderland 
State of Michigan.
  Mr. President, I applaud the ACBS for having grown into the world's 
largest organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of 
historic, antique and classic boats, a fact which pays tribute to the 
many people who have devoted themselves not only to promoting the 
heritage of boating, but also to promoting the ACBS and the many 
wonderful things it does to preserve this heritage. On behalf of the 
entire United States Senate, I congratulate the Antique and Classic 
Boat Society on its 25th Anniversary, and wish the organization 
continued success in the future.

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