[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1724] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E1724]] CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF DURAND UNION STATION ______ HON. MIKE ROGERS of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, September 5, 2003 Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of Durand Union Station as October 4, 2003 will mark its historic birthday. In the last century, Durand Union Station has survived fire, neglect, dilapidation, and even the wrecking ball. Over the years, the proud citizens of my district have banded together to restore and preserve this local treasure. In 1903, construction began on Durand Union Station, at a cost of $60,000 the rail depot was an architectural marvel. The Chateau Romanesque style depot was constructed of Missouri granite brick with an interior of oak woodwork and wainscoting of Tennessee marble. However, just eighteen months after its construction, fire tore though the boiler room of the station in April of 1905. Firefighters had the blaze contained until the Eastbound train forced the firefighters to pull their hoses back across the tracks and allow the train to pass. The fire of 1905 destroyed nearly all of Durand Union Station. After being rebuilt, Durand Union Station served the people of Michigan until 1974. Unfortunately, the struggling railroad industry forced Grand Trunk Western Railroad to completely abandon the building in 1974. Consequently, Durand Union Station was stripped, gutted, vandalized and ready for demolition. But, state and local officials along with the citizens of Durand determined to restore the building were able to save Durand Union Station at the demolition zero hour. Today, Durand Union Station has been preserved and restored by Durand Union Station, Inc., a nonprofit corporation founded to manage the historic building. The Michigan Legislature has designated Durand Union Station as the natural site for the Michigan Railroad History Museum and Information Center. Under the leadership of Durand Union Station Inc., the station is slated to undergo nearly $4 million in improvements and expansion. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Durand Union Station. Over the past one hundred years, the station has become a monument to the American spirit. The people of Durand, Michigan have overcome numerous setbacks in their quest to preserve this wonderful Michigan landmark. ____________________