Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Award Presented to Commemorate Early Mushing Mail Days

MARQUETTE—The Alger County Historical Society will award the first U.P. 200 musher to enter Grand Marais this weekend with prizes to commemorate the early days of mushing mail carriers.

    According to Erika Schaeffer, board member for the Historical Society, the “first musher” award recipient will be given a handmade ceramic trophy, a framed historical photo provided by the Grand Marais Historical Society of a turn-of-the-century musher, and a gift of $100 courtesy of the Historical Society. They intend to provide this award on an annual basis.

    “History is important to the community and region as a whole; it tells the story of how we lived,” Schaeffer said. “Awarding those [mushers] who work hard to make that happen is the least that [the Historical Society] can do.”

    Pat Torreano, board member for the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association, said that she appreciates the efforts of the Historical Society in this race.

    “I appreciate their efforts to make this race extra special and their research that gives a historical background to his very old form of U.P. winter transportation,” Torreano said. “As an Alger County resident, I appreciate their preservation of the history that took place in where I choose to call home.”

    The award will be presented at the U.P. 200 Awards Breakfast on Feb. 23, at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Marquette. Tickets for the awards breakfast can be purchased at the race headquarters located at the Holiday Inn. The U.P. 200 will begin in downtown Marquette this Friday at 7 p.m.

    For more information, contact the U.P. 200 race headquarters at 906-228-8162.

 

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-- Prepared by Amanda Jayska