Marking Mackinac Bridge History Nov. 1
By Karen Gould

A green ribbon was stretched across the toll plaza and cut at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 1. The time marks the opening of the bridge in 1957. Visitors and St. Ignace fourth grade students watching Thursday's event were each given a piece of the ribbon. Taking part in the ceremony are (seated) first Executive Secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Larry Rubin, (from left) Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, Executive Secretary of the MBA Bob Sweeney, Vice Chair Barbara Brown, board member Dan Musser, Chair Bill Gnodtke, and board members Murray Wikol, Patrick Gleason, Bob Struck, and Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle.

Thursday, November 1, 2007, 50 years after toll gates opened on the Mackinac Bridge and Prentiss M. Brown of St. Ignace accepted the first $3.25 bridge fare from Governor G. Mennen Williams, an estimated 400 people braved strong winds and chilling temperatures to huddle under a tent at Bridge View Park to celebrate the anniversary.

November 1 bridge traffic increased by 37.5%, with 2,731 more vehicle crossing compared to the same day last year. About 10,000 vehicles, an unaudited number, passed over the span. Traffic crossing the bridge was stopped for about five minutes as a green ribbon was stretched the length of the toll booth plaza and cut at 2 p.m.

Members of the LaSalle High School band performed at the Mackinac Bridge anniversary ceremony Thursday, November 1. Pictured are (from right) Nickole Lanczak, Shelby Peters, Elissa Crystal, Miska Cardin, and Annmarie Horn.

During a two-hour celebration, bridge administrators accepted a photograph of the structure signed by ironworkers and bridge builders, a book of drawings and stories by St. Ignace fourth grade students, and congratulations from the U.S. and the Michigan House of Representatives and Secretary of State, and they posed with plagues honoring the structure's engineering feats and the leadership of Mr. Brown.

Music was played by the LaSalle High School marching band, and birthday cake by Glory McLennan and hot drinks were served to attendees.

Throughout the summer, visitors were able to register to win a bridge tower tour at the Welcome Center in St. Ignace. Mike Lilliquist, manager of the center, who spearheaded the idea, was joined by William Cochran, who served on the first Mackinac Bridge Authority, to announce that the trip was won by Tim Polten of Grand Haven. A piece of the original ribbon from the 1957 opening ceremony was won by Pam Bently of Wyoming, Michigan.

At left: State Representative Gary McDowell of Rudyard reads a resolution about the Mackinac Bridge that was passed by the House of Representatives Wednesday, October 31.

One northbound and one southbound traveler passing through the toll plaza at 2 p.m. were selected to receive a weekend vacation package. Northbound traveler Mike Johnson of Moran was award a St. Ignace package by St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin and Larry Rubin. Ralph and Barbara Ermer of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, were awarded a Mackinaw City package by Village President Ronald Wallin and Mr. Cochran.

Dick Demara, a former bridge ironworker and retired brigadier general with the Michigan Army National Guard, presented to the Mackinac Bridge Authority a photograph of the bridge that was signed by ironworkers and others involved with its construction.

Morgan Gustafson, a St. Ignace fourth grade student, presented a book of bridge stories and drawings her classmates had made marking the historic day. She read her poem aloud.

St. Ignace fourth grade student Morgan Gustafson represented her class, reading a poem she had written about the bridge. The class, taught by Patrice Mackin, presented a book by classmates containing pictures they drew and stories they wrote to commemorate the anniversary.

A

passage honoring the bridge in

the Congressional Record was read by Tom Baldini of U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak's staff. The Congressional Record, he said, serves as a history of the country. From it he read a brief history of the bridge, challenges to building the structure, and the benefits the bridge provides by linking the state's two peninsulas.

"While most bridges cross placid waters, the turbulent waters of the Straits of Mackinac are ocean like, often kicking up waves six feet or more," said Mr. Baldini. "The brutal northern Michigan winters further complicated the construction. These were the challenging conditions faced by the men and women who built the Mackinac Bridge."

Early morning, November 1, Glory McLennan of St. Ignace carefully places the Mackinac Bridge cakes in her car. The four cakes were served following ceremonies that day at Bridge View Park.

State Representative Gary Mc- Dowell, who represents counties on both sides of the bridge, presented a resolution passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday, October 31.

"The Mighty Mac serves as an example of the spirit and willpower of the citizens of Michigan," Mr. McDowell read. "Today the Mackinac Bridge continues to be a great source of pride for northern Michigan and all the state's residents."

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land presented a license plate plaque to the MBA, marked MAC 50th.

A plaque honoring the late Senator Prentiss M. Brown for his leadership in securing funding for the bridge's construction was unveiled by Ron Keefe, president of the Michigan Bar Association, and Barbara Brown, granddaughter of the senator. The plaque is attached to the visitors' building at the park.

On a nearby rock at the park, a plaque now recognizes the engineering accomplishment of the bridge, which is considered the foremost civil engineering project of the 20th Century by the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. President of the organization, Rhett Gronevelt, unveiled the marker.

No other engineering accomplishments in the state "could complete with the engineering marvel of the Mackinac Bridge," he said. The bridge improves the health, safety, and welfare of the state and stands as a showcase of what the engineering profession is about.

Bill Gnodtke, chair of the MBA, recognized members of the honorary celebration committee, which had the task of raising money for the summer events held in July and the November 1 celebration. Those serving on the fundraising committee waved to the crowd including Prentiss M. Brown Jr., Lawrence A. Rubin, and William Cochran. Charles T. Fisher III was unable to attend.

Chairing the MBA committee for this year's events was Ms. Brown, who later told The St. Ignace News, "It was a memorable year for Michigan, and especially for the Straits area. I am confident that the cooperative effort put forth by our three communities this past year to promote the Mackinac Bridge and the natural beauty of the Straits area will continue, and that wonderful memories of the celebration will cause visitors to return to our shores year after year."

Bob Sweeney, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, served as master of ceremonies during the presentations.