Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 117.

A resolution to commemorate November 15, 2015, as Webster L. Marble Day.

Whereas, Webster L. Marble was an early 20th century Upper Peninsula entrepreneur who founded Marble Safety Axe Company in Gladstone, which would become heralded internationally as an outdoor gear powerhouse, outfitting legions of hunters, anglers, campers, and hikers. He is also recognized as the Upper Peninsula's great inventor; and

Whereas, This declaration would coincide with the November 7, 2015, public opening of the Michigan Historical Museum’s new yearlong special exhibit – “Inventing the Outdoors” – that looks at the origins of the state’s love for outdoor recreation through the life and times of Webster L. Marble. With the exhibit opening happening near the opening day of firearm season in Michigan, a date that is significant to many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, it is a natural fit to honor Webster Marble on November 15; and

Whereas, Historians recognize that Webster Marble was a genius as an inventor, manufacturer, and one of the Upper Peninsula’s most successful business leaders; and 

Whereas, Marble marketed his creations across the globe and would eventually own more than 60 patents for outdoor products, including knives and compasses used by Commander Robert Peary in his expeditions, Theodore Roosevelt, and Charles Lindbergh during his first solo transatlantic flight; and

Whereas, Troops in World War I were issued Marble-designed matchboxes, and both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America adopted Marble’s knives as their official knife; and

Whereas, His designs set the standard for the 20th century in the outdoor goods market, outfitting millions of outdoor enthusiasts with Michigan-made products that are still influential today; and

Whereas, Mr. Marble helped advance the evolution of outdoor ethics and marketing that has influenced not only how we relate to the outdoors, but how we position and promote ourselves to the world through Pure Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That November 15, 2015, be hereby commemorated as Webster L. Marble Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Historical Center.