SR-196, As Adopted by Senate, May 22, 2008

            Senator McManus offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 196.

            A resolution commemorating the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the family ownership of the Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island, Michigan.

            Whereas, The Michigan Senate is proud to acknowledge the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Musser family ownership of the Grand Hotel, beginning with the 1933 purchase of the hotel by William Stewart Woodfill, uncle to R.D. Musser II; and

            Whereas, Mr. Woodfill’s devotion and love of the hotel inspired a similar passion in a young R.D. Musser II, beginning with his first work assignment to the hotel in 1951; and

            Whereas, R.D. (Dan) Musser II advanced in his talents and responsibilities to the point of being selected by his uncle as the president of the Grand Hotel in 1960; and

            Whereas, Through Mr. Musser’s leadership, the hotel prospered and improved, including an extensive redesign of both the interior and exterior of the Grand Hotel by architect Richard Bos and decorator Carleton Varney in 1976; and

            Whereas, In 1979, R.D. Musser II purchased the Grand Hotel from his uncle William Stewart Woodfill and continues the tradition of excellence established by his uncle; and

            Whereas, Ongoing improvements were made to the hotel, including addition of the Cupola Bar, renovation of the Woodfill Conference Center, and improvements to the Jewel Golf Course in 1987; and

            Whereas, In 1989, R.D. Musser II appointed his son R.D. Musser III as president of the Grand Hotel, during which time the East Wing was added to the hotel, and the U.S. Department of Interior designated the Grand Hotel as a National Historic Landmark; and

            Whereas, The Musser family ownership and management continues its tradition of quality improvements to the Grand Hotel, including addition of the new Woods nine-hole golf course in 1994, a new golf pro shop in 2000, the opening of the Millennium Wing in 2001, and the addition of the Gate House in 2006; and

            Whereas, Under the Musser family lineage, the Grand Hotel has become a worldwide landmark, symbolizing a tradition of unmatched, first-class elegance and style. The Grand Hotel has also been a key component of the Mackinac Island economy and a leader in promotion of the important tourism industry in northern Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the family ownership of the Grand Hotel and express our congratulations to R.D. (Daniel) Musser III and his entire family for their leadership, hard work, and devotion to one of Michigan’s crown jewels, the Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Messrs. R.D. Musser II and R.D. Musser III on behalf of the Michigan Senate as a token of our congratulations and best wishes.