Recognizing the 140th Anniversary of Sleder's Family Tavern

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 140th Anniversary of Sleder's Family Tavern of Traverse City, Michigan. Through almost a century and a half of service and steadfast devotion to their community, Sleder's Family Tavern has become a local landmark and an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

Established in 1882, Sleder's Family Tavern's continuous dedication to the local community has landed the business the title of the oldest active restaurant in Michigan. The tavern was started by local wheelwright, Vencil Sleder, who came to the United States as a Bohemian immigrant and built the tavern with the help of his fellow neighbors. The original construction of the tavern was made up of wooden slabs from sawmills and took approximately three years to build since many of the builders were only available on weekends.

Sleder's Family Tavern was owned and operated by the Sleder family for three generations, until it was sold to Bob and Sylvia Classens around the business's 100th anniversary in 1975. The Tavern was then sold to Deb and Brian Cairns in May 1992, who eventually transferred ownership to their son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Megan Cox, on December 31, 2019. Throughout the years, the business has only had minor renovations and additions, and much of the original building has been preserved with the help of the community. Today, the Sleder's Family Tavern is located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, and continues to serve locals for their food and beverage needs.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Sleder's Family Tavern for nearly a century and a half of success and service to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

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