[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16898]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE VILLAGE OF SOUTH RANGE, MICHIGAN ON THE CENTENNIAL OF 
                              ITS FOUNDING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Village of 
South Range, Michigan on 100 years of vibrant community life as the 
Village celebrates the centennial of its founding.
  In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt was President, the Wright brothers made 
their historic first flight on the hills outside Kitty Hawk, and Henry 
Ford started the Ford Motor Company with the introduction of the Model 
A Ford roadster.
  Another memorable event of 1903 was the founding of the Town of South 
Range by the Whealkate Mining Company, at the south end of the copper 
range on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
  At the time the Town of South Range was founded, most of the land 
within its boundaries was owned by various copper mining companies who 
had flocked to the area with the discovery of rich copper deposits in 
the 19th century. This period in the Keweenaw's history, and the 
economic and cultural fabric created by the mines, the miners, their 
families and the communities that grew up around them is the story 
commemorated by the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
  Once the Town of South Range was platted, it became possible for 
hardworking miners and local people to buy the lots and begin to build 
a community separate from the mining companies that most of them worked 
for. As the town grew, businesses, churches and social clubs were 
created to serve its inhabitants.
  In 1906 the residents petitioned the Houghton County Commissioners to 
incorporate the Village of South Range, which it remains today. The 
Village may have fewer than one thousand residents and winter weather 
that averages fifteen feet of snow, but its people also have warm 
hearts and a true civic spirit.
  Led by Village President Michael Rompf, they have planned a two week 
centennial celebration during which South Range will choose a 
centennial queen and highlight its history with photo exhibits, mine 
tours, visits to historic sites and a living history re-enactment.
  South Range residents have not forgotten music and dancing, just like 
the socials that provided respite from the backbreaking work in the 
mines for their forebears. They plan dancing to swing and polka music, 
and teen dances for the younger crowd. A pasty supper, community flag 
raising on the Fourth of July, a parade, craft and dog shows, slow 
pitch softball and of course, fireworks will all bring community 
residents and visitors closer together.
  On a serious note, a ceremony will re-dedicate South Range's memorial 
to war veterans, the ``Honor Roll,'' at the Community Center on July 
5th. This will mark completion of the restoration of the memorial and 
honor those who served in action from South Range. An observance of the 
50th anniversary of the Korean War will follow this ceremony, hosted by 
South Range's VFW Post.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my fellow Members of Congress join me 
in extending warm congratulations to the Village of South Range as we 
celebrate not only the birth of our great nation, but also the 
contributions and hard work that made possible South Range's 100 years 
of continued vitality as a community. South Range and thousands of 
communities like it are truly the bedrock Of our national strength.

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