Former Judge Fenlon To Be Recognized for Mackinac Bridge Accomplishments

Judge Edward “Ned” Fenlon will be recognized by the Mackinac Bridge Authority Thursday, August 11, at a reception dinner at Grand Hotel for his efforts as a state legislator in helping develop the Mackinac Bridge more than 45 years ago.

In 1933 Mr. Fenlon was elected to the Michigan State Legislature and he introduced legislation that paved the way for construction of the Mackinac Bridge. He served as a state representative for the Mackinac-Emmet districts. He helped obtain funding for the engineering feasibility and the construction of the bridge, which was completed in November 1957.

The Bridge Authority will hold an insurance meeting at 2 p.m. at Mackinac Island’s City Hall Thursday, with a reception at Grand Hotel following at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. a dinner will be held and Mr. Fenlon will be honored. The 101-year-old former legislator and judge resides in Petoskey, but has been visiting his son in California since last winter. He was expected to return Wednesday, said longtime friend Meryl Hankey.

The Bridge Authority will hold a finance committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Friday, August 12 on the Island at City Hall. At 10 a.m., a regular Bridge Authority meeting will be held, also at City Hall.