[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21152]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MANISTIQUE ELKS TEMPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Manistique Elks 
Lodge #632 on the 100th Anniversary of the group's landmark building. 
The Manistique Elks Temple was built in 1909 and continues to be a 
source of pride for the community and a unique venue for activities 
including civic events, receptions and patriotic ceremonies. The 
building has seen both high times and low times, but throughout its 100 
years of existence it has touched nearly every person in the Manistique 
community in some way or another.
   Visitors to the Temple step onto a sweeping front porch and through 
grand pillars to enter the building. Once inside they look up to the 
ornate ceiling of stamped tin, richly painted with gold filigree and 
accented in burgundy and hunter green. They walk across hardwood floors 
that are a testament to the timber industry that has helped sustain the 
city of Manistique throughout the years. The sun shines through newly 
restored windows to create a bright atmosphere. It is a place that 
echoes the natural beauty found throughout Manistique and Michigan's 
Upper Peninsula.
   While so many buildings from the beginning of the 20th century have 
been destroyed or replaced, the Elks Temple continues to stand proudly 
in the center of downtown. Throughout the years the Temple has 
undergone significant renovations. Its first renovation was in 1927 
when new lighting fixtures and a new kitchen were added. In 1939 two 
new bowling alleys were installed. The bowling alleys were updated 
again in 1962, 1981, and in 2002. The Temple suffered a serious fire in 
2005, only three years after extensive renovations were completed. Once 
again members were determined to restore the building to greatness.
   Each time the Temple has been faced with adversity, members of Lodge 
#632 have banded together to invest in and restore the beauty and 
functionality of this local gem. The Temple is a symbol of the 
perseverance and spirit of the residents of Manistique. Whether hosting 
an annual graduation party, traditional fish and steak dinners, or 
community functions such as the local Chamber of Commerce banquet, the 
Manistique Elks Temple is a place that brings members of the community 
together and strengthens local ties.
   Madam Speaker, members of Elks Lodge #632 have shown continued 
support for the city of Manistique and its residents. Their willingness 
to open the Manistique Elks Temple for community use and their years of 
dedication to maintaining and improving this historic building is a 
testament to the organization's long tradition of community pride. 
Madam Speaker, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in congratulating Elks Lodge #632 on the 
Centennial of the Elks Temple as well as thanking members for their 
active involvement in preserving this Manistique landmark.

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